Gay Marriage Fight Comes to Texas, Despite Ban

Two lawsuits are underway that could overturn the Texas ban on same-sex marriage next year.

A federal court in San Antonio will hear arguments in January from attorneys representing two couples who want to live as lawfully wedded. The Texas Supreme Court is considering two where former couples who want their out-of-state marriages legally dissolved.

They are challenging a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages approved by 1.7 million Texas voters in 2005.

Attorney General Greg Abbott has promised to defend the Texas law, but the U.S. Supreme Court will likely have the final say.

Conservative activists in Texas are fighting same-sex marriage by declaring it a violation of state's rights and religious freedom. Since Republicans who control the state oppose gay marriage, the law will likely be decided in court.