Texas proposition 2 (2005)

Texas Proposition 2 of 2005 is a so-called "defense of marriage amendment" that amended the Texas Constitution to make it unconstitutional for the state to recognize or perform same-sex marriages or civil unions. The referendum was approved by 76% of the voters.

The text of the amendment stated:

"(a) Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman."

"(b) This state or a political subdivision of this state may not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to marriage."

During the debate up to the election, a local minister in Austin, Texas opposed the amendment on somewhat unusual grounds. According to the minister, the wording of subsection (b) could actually be used to outlaw marriage itself. Proponents claimed that this was nothing more than a "smokescreen" to confuse voters on the issue.