Texas Voters Say No To Gay Marriage

Texas will become the 19th state to ban same-sex marriage after voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly gave a thumbs-up to a constitutional amendment that would ban the practice. The amendment was passing with about 76% of the vote. Gay marriage was not permitted previously in the Lone Star State, but supporters of the amendment promoted it as an additional safeguard against court mandates in favor of the practice.

Gay-rights leaders were dismayed by the outcome, but vowed to continue to battle for recognition of same-sex unions. Ironically, it was a push by some leaders to have states recognize gay marriage that led to many states adopting laws to outlaw the practice.