(a) In this section, “civil union” means any relationship status other than marriage that:
(1) is intended as an alternative to marriage or applies primarily to cohabitating persons; and(2) grants to the parties of the relationship legal protections, benefits, or responsibilities granted to the spouses of a marriage.(b) A marriage between persons of the same sex or a civil union is contrary to the public policy of this state and is void in this state.(c) The state or an agency or political subdivision of the state may not give effect to a:
(1) public act, record, or judicial proceeding that creates, recognizes, or validates a marriage between persons of the same sex or a civil union in this state or in any other jurisdiction; or(2) right or claim to any legal protection, benefit, or responsibility asserted as a result of a marriage between persons of the same sex or a civil union in this state or in any other jurisdiction.
Tex. Fam. Code ยง 6.204
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 124, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
