Houston, TX, February 26, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomes today’s federal court decision overturning Texas’ marriage ban.  The Court held that Texas’ ban on marriage for same sex couples unconstitutionally deprives Texans of due process and equal protection under the law.

            ADL is pleased by the Court’s decision supporting the right of same-sex couples to marry and welcomes this reaffirmation of equal treatment and protection for all.  In issuing the preliminary injunction, U.S. District Court Judge Orlando Garcia ruled that Texas’ marriage ban deprives citizens of due process and equal protection by stigmatizing their relationships.  In granting the preliminary injunction, the Court held that it is unconstitutional to treat same-sex couples differently from opposite-sex couples.

“This decision is a major step forward in the quest for equal rights and freedom from discrimination for all Texas residents,” said ADL Southwest Regional Director Martin B. Cominsky. “ADL believes no American should be denied access to the benefits of civil marriage because of his or her sexual orientation. We have long supported efforts to extend all the rights, protections and benefits of civil marriage to all couples,” he said.