AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Republicans have stopped legislative efforts that sought to defy the U.S. Supreme Court if same-sex marriage is legalized this summer.
That means the first session under Republican Gov. Greg Abbott will end next week without new restrictions that gay rights activists and some Texas businesses intensely opposed.
The Texas Senate May 27 night had a final chance to vote on prohibiting government officials from giving marriage licenses to same-sex couples. But with only hours until a midnight deadline, the bill was scrapped.
Computer maker Dell Inc. was among businesses that had urged lawmakers to not pursue the measure.
Republicans instead passed a resolution that says they believe marriage is between a man and woman. The symbolic statement falls short of what some conservatives sought.
The Legislature adjourns June 1.
