Watch the full hearing below. The CBS affiliate in Dallas reports:
The Texas Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case that conservatives hope will provide an opening to challenge the landmark 2015 ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide. The all-Republican court initially refused to hear the lawsuit, which challenged Houston’s decision to offer same-sex spousal benefits to municipal employees. The court deferred to the U.S. Supreme Court declaring gay marriage constitutional.
But the court reversed itself last month amid pressure from Texas’ governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and leading religious and conservative activists. They argue that the case may help Texas limit the scope of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, especially in how it’s applied at the state level. Houston officials argue the case is a matter of settled law that has nothing to do with advancing social conservative causes.
The ruling is expected in June.
Mitchell opens up arguments saying this case is focused on "relationship between federal & state judiciary"
— Alexa Ura (@alexazura) March 1, 2017
SCOTX justices asking several questions as to whether they even have jurisdiction in the same-sex marriage benefits case #txlege
— Alexa Ura (@alexazura) March 1, 2017
Justice Boyd is now questioning if plaintiffs — two Houston taxpayers — even have standing in the case #txlege
— Alexa Ura (@alexazura) March 1, 2017
Alexander points out that Obergefell requires opposite & same-sex couples to be treated equally & that's key in this case #txlege
— Alexa Ura (@alexazura) March 1, 2017
Mitchell up for rebuttal, Guzman immediately asks him to address why they're challenging Houston & not state agencies that provide benefits
— Alexa Ura (@alexazura) March 1, 2017