Texas Bill Seeks to Block Gay Marriage Licenses

Issue same-sex marriage licenses and lose your salary. That's the gist of a new bill proposed by a Texas Republican lawmaker Cecil Bell, Jr.

Last week, he proposed House Bill 623, or what he refers to as the Texas Preservation of Sovereignty and Marriage Act.

In part, the proposed measure says, "State or local taxpayer funds or governmental salaries may not be used for an activity that includes the licensing or support of same-sex marriage."

State employees who issue marriage licenses would lose their salaries.

"A person employed by this State or local governmental entity who violates or interferes with the implementation of this section may not continue to receive a salary, pension, or other employee benefit," the measure reads.

In a statement, Bell said the move was a part of his obligation to the constituents who elected him.

"Texas is a sovereign state and our citizens have the right to define marriage," Bell said. "We as Texans voted in 2005 to define marriage as being solely between a man and a woman. In Texas, marriage is sacred and traditional families are recognized as the fabric of our society."

Last Friday, Texas along with Mississippi and Louisiana took their stands against same-sex marriage before a federal appellate court.

The justices took no action during their private conference in Washington, but could decide next week whether to consider this issue this term, meaning cases could be argued and decided by late June.

Same-sex marriage is now legal in 36 states and the District of Columbia.