Texas Republican defies her party to back same-sex marriage
A Republican politician in Texas has come out in support of same-sex marriage, despite her party remaining strongly opposed.
Republican Sarah Davis, who sits in the state House of Representatives, spoke up after her name was conspicuously absent from an anti-gay marriage letter signed by 93 of the 98 House Republicans.
The letter explained that discriminating against gay people in marriage is a “principle that is so dearly held by Texans far and wide”, ahead of a Supreme Court ruling that could bring equality to the state.
Explaining why she didn’t sign the letter to the Texas Observer, Ms Davis said: “I just don’t agree with the sentiment of the letter.
“I don’t feel the need to pass legislation or vote for legislation that prohibits two adults who love each other to be able to be joined in a civil union or marriage. It does not affect my marriage.
“In situations where I’ve been asked, I’ve always stated my position, so I don’t think this is new ground that I’ve just staked out.
“This is not breaking news, and if someone chooses to run against me in the primary and wants to make abortion or gay marriage an issue, then we’ll face that.
“I’ve had contested primaries in the past, and those issues have come up, and my margin of victory actually increases every election.”
Ms Davis was previously the first Republican to have ever received an endorsement from pro-LGBT group Equality Texas – but had not stated her views on same-sex marriage on the record before.
