In anticipation of the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, Texas Republicans are trying to pass a measure that would prohibit local officials from giving out marriage licenses to gay couples.
The move amounts to a de facto strike on the possible outcome of the court cases challenging whether or not it is constitutional for individuals states to enact constitutional bans on gay marriage,
The Washington Post reported.
The measure is expected to be voted on Tuesday in the Texas House. Supporters contend that if it passes, it will serve as a powerful message to the high court.
The goal is to keep the issue tied up in the courts in the same vein as anti-abortion issues have gone.
The bill was offered by Rep. Cecil Bell. It would ban any funding for state and local officials from being used "to issue, enforce, or recognize a marriage license ... for a union other than a union between one man and one woman."
The goal, Bell told the Post, is to preserve "state sovereignty over marriage."
The effort has been decried by gay rights groups as mean-spirited, saying it amounts to discrimination.
"It’s shocking that Texas lawmakers would pursue a path that would set up this showdown between the Texas legislature and the courts," said Rebecca Robertson, of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas.
This isn't the only measure Texas lawmakers have offered in anticipation of the upcoming Supreme Court decision.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has asked Republicans in the state legislature to offer a measure that would protect
clergy and religious groups from being forced into having to perform or participate in gay weddings.
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