Free Republic

Pampa lawmaker seeks to put gay marriage ban in constitution ASSOCIATED PRESS AUSTIN (AP) - A proposed constitutional ban of same-sex marriages in Texas could also prevent gays and lesbians from private contract privileges, including end-of-life decisions and children's guardianship issues, gay-rights activists told lawmakers Monday. Gay marriage and civil unions already are illegal in Texas, but some private arrangements are recognized under Texas law. Republican Rep. Warren Chisum of Pampa has filed a proposed change to the constitution that would define marriage as "only a union of one man and one woman" in Texas. He said it wasn't his...

Map gets third thumbs up House passes plan weakening area representation Associated Press AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas House voted to accept a Republican-drawn congressional redistricting map Tuesday that weakens West Texas farm representation in Congress. For the third time this summer, the House approved the map sponsored by Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, that would likely give Texas Republicans an edge over Democrats in Congress. The vote was 77-60 with four present but not voting. Delwin Jones and Carl Isett, both Lubbock Republicans, voted against the plan. The map also gives House Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, a congressional district separate...