Should Tarrant County be prepared to issue same-sex marriage licenses?
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule later this month on the constitutionality of state bans against same-sex marriage. The Texas Legislature passed a law in 2003 defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and voters made that a part of the state constitution in 2005. Many people believe the Supreme Court will strike down such state bans. Travis County officials say they’ll issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples immediately if that happens. Should Tarrant County prepare to do the same?
No matter how mankind may try to warp their identities, a man cannot think like a woman nor a woman like a man.
They are both beautifully different so as to be an enhancement in the marriage relationship.
— Elizabeth Powell, Keller
This train has left the station and it’s not turning around.
If we as a society have learned one thing it is that when you are on the wrong side of history, you will get run over by that runaway train.
Ask those who at one time violently opposed integration.
— Frank Matthews, Fort Worth
What someone does in their bedroom is their business, but don’t try to make us bless it.
If it were called a “legal union” it would have already been accepted in today’s society.
— Susie Fitzgerald, Fort Worth
Many ignore what the sacred Scriptures plainly teach.
— Maxie B. Boren, Fort Worth
While it would be compassionate for the Tarrant County clerk to waive the 72-hour waiting period, it will be of little importance.
Many Tarrant County lesbian and gay citizens have waited over 10 years for this event; another 72-hour wait will soon be forgotten.
— Larry Hale, Fort Worth
A pair of men I know are true pillars of the community. They maintain a home not far from mine. Should anyone need a helping hand, they’ll drop everything and help those of us who often cannot cope.
They would dearly love to marry here in Tarrant County, which is their home. Hordes of other couples are allowed to marry here.
I'd love to be invited to their wedding here.
— Peggy Meade-Cohen, Fort Worth
Marriage equality is a civil right that should be available to all citizens. An individual’s capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person does not depend upon the individual’s sexual orientation.
Many progressive Christians and churches, including the church I serve as pastor, have long recognized and blessed the unions of all loving couples, straight and gay.
— Rev. Lee Ann Bryce, Fort Worth
When the Supreme Court rules appropriately, Tarrant County will violate the law if it does not issue marriage licenses.
— John Barnes, Fort Worth
When the government gets into it and forces a baker, florist, or photographer to create a product he isn't interested in, I fear we may enter a dangerous precedent.
People need to wonder how their demands affect the future of this once wonderful nation.
— Eva Snapka, Arlington
Same-sex marriage itself seems a minor problem compared to the more important problem of the children in same-sex marriages.
— Curt Lampkin, Azle
Texas is not above the law. You may not like the law, but we must comply. It’s not only a legal obligation; it is also the right thing to do.
— Jon Perry, Fort Worth
Tarrant County and all counties in the state better set their minds to it and be ready cheerfully to issue those licenses.
— Paul R. Schattman, Arlington
Tarrant County should be making adjustments to forms and processes now in preparation. There should be no delay in allowing citizens the immediate right to obtain a marriage license in the event equality prevails.
This is an extremely exciting and important moment within the LGBT community and local government should be prepared to uphold the law immediately.
— Debbie Williams, North Richland Hills
Absolutely! You accept the taxes of the LGBT community, correct?
As Americans, it is everyone's right to have The same rights as every other American born here. Who is society to be their moral judge?
Come on people. Who a person loves is a very small part of who they are!
— Judy Abernathy, Fort Worth
I sincerely hope so; the gay community has waited long enough. That will make us one step closer to equality.
May the God of your choice bless Texas.
— Jodie Wright-Tepfer,
Bedford
Im the father of a 17 year old gay male. I'm a very proud father.
My son hasn't experienced any negative of his being gay, yet! He soon will, though, if the marriage band for gay couples isn't overturned.
All his life he has only known love and acceptance from others.
Why should he know anything else?
— Craig Thurman,
North Richland Hills
All Points each Monday features reader responses to a question posed by the Editorial Board. With each week’s responses comes the next week’s question. All Points responses are not counted toward the monthly limit of one letter to the editor from each writer. Readers are welcome to send their own ideas for All Points topics to Editorial Director Mike Norman, mnorman@star-telegram.com.
This story was originally published June 12, 2015 at 7:25 PM with the headline "Should Tarrant County be prepared to issue same-sex marriage licenses?."