Texas Judge Says He’ll Marry Gay Couples, But Only If He Can Insult Them First

One justice of the peace in Texas thinks he’s found a clever way to skirt the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of same-sex marriage.

In Texas, judges must either marry all couples, gay and straight, or stop officiating ceremonies altogether.

Judge James R. DePiazza of Denton, north of Dallas, says he’ll “witness” same-sex weddings, but with several conditions that appear designed to insult gay couples. From a form posted on DePiazza’s website:

The Supreme Court of the United States’ ruling on June 26, 2015 in Obergefell v. Hodges has legalized marriage in all 50 States regardless of gender. The result of this ruling has not changed Judge DePiazza’s personal convictions on marriage, but has changed the way he is now conducting ceremonies. Judge DePiazza will no longer be providing marriage ceremonies in the traditional manner. The ceremony will strictly be a witnessing to the declaration of marriage, presented by Judge DePiazza, by both parties under the laws of the State of Texas.

Judge DePiazza prefers to NOT conduct same-sex ceremonies, but will not decline anyone who chooses to schedule with him.

The form also says that photography is now banned during ceremonies in Piazza’s courtroom and states that before the judge will officiate them, couples must sign an acknowledgment saying:

“While we many not necessarily agree with, we accept Judge DePiazza’s position on same-sex marriages, accept the conditions expressed above and understand that there will be no discussion regarding his position before, during or after the ceremony.”

Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/2015/07/texas-judge-says-hell-marry-gay-couples-can-insult-first/

Cross-posted in the Texas Group.