Texas Marriage Legislation Discouraging Divorce Awaits Governor’s Signature
On yesterday, Texas legislators pushed through a piece of legislation that would double the marriage license fee to $60 for any couple who did not attend eight hours of a premarital counseling class. This fee and the three-day marriage waiting period would of course be waved for soon-to-be-married Texas couples who did attend the class. A keyetv.com story detailed how this Texas marriage legislation was proposed by state Senator Warrren Chism, who was quoted in the story as saying that “divorce is destroying this country.” Opponents of this legislation have scoffed at such a notion, said it’s not the duty of lawmakers to save this institution, and called this bill a “marriage tax.” This bill has passed the state Senate and House and is now waiting for a signature from Texas Governor Rick Perry.
The story juxtaposed the conflicting opinions about this legislation. Dr. Joseph White of the Diocese of Austin Family Counseling and Family Life described the legislation as being “fantastic” in the story. He added that since the state of Texas publicly recognizes a marriage between a man and a woman, it thus has an interest in preserving the sacrament. State Representative Pete Gallego disagreed in the story and said that it’s all about personal responsibility. We’ll see what Perry thinks and keep you updated on this legislation.
