No same-sex couples have sought a marriage license in Irion County, but if or when they do the county clerk is willing to fight it in court.
County Clerk Molly Criner has vowed to stand for “natural marriage” and refuses to issue licenses to same-sex couples.
Liberty Counsel, an international nonprofit that says it is dedicated to advancing religious freedom, has offered pro bono counsel to represent Criner in court.
“The Justices of the Supreme Court acted outside and against the authority granted to them by the very Constitution that we have sworn to uphold,” Criner said in a news release issued by Liberty Counsel. “Our founding fathers were fearful of too much power in the hands of a few.”
Referring to the opinion of the five justices who voted to allow same-sex marriage last month, Criner said to keep her oath to uphold the Constitution, she must reject the court’s ruling, which she believes is “lawless.”
See here for the background. The Dallas Observer engages in a bit of mischief in response:
Just in case any of you guys are thinking about getting married this week and feel like making a ruckus, you can get to Mertzon, the Irion County seat, by taking Interstate 20 West to TX 206 South. The clerk’s office is at 209 N. Parkview St. After Crimer turns you down, head northeast on U.S. 67 to San Angelo and Irion County’s assigned U.S. District Court, where you can file your lawsuit at the O.C. Fisher Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. The courthouse is located at 33 East Twohig Ave. Godspeed and please email us your photos.
I’d advise packing an overnight bag – it’s a long way from D/FW to Irion. Glen Maxey says on Facebook that a couple of plaintiffs have been identified and details will be forthcoming. I can’t wait. The AusChron has more.