The Latest: Abbott's office says memo not discriminatory

Gov. Greg Abbott's office says the governor's directive that ordered state agencies not to reprimand those who deny benefits to gay couples does not condone discrimination.

Abbott spokesman John Wittman says the order issued earlier Friday does not authorize state agencies to deny benefits to same-sex couples.

[...] no revisions were made to the memo, which ordered state agencies not to punish employees who refuse to take official actions in violation of their "sincerely held religious beliefs" on marriage.

The memo said that included "any agency decision, including but not limited to granting or denying benefits, managing agency employees, entering or enforcing agency contracts, licensing and permitting decisions, or enforcing state laws and regulations."

Gov. Greg Abbott's office is clarifying a directive to state agencies demanding that they preserve religious liberties, saying the order doesn't mean they're allowed to discriminate against gay employees.

In a memo Friday, the Republican said the government shouldn't pressure people to violate their "sincerely held religious beliefs" on marriage.

The governor's memo didn't stop county clerks in many parts of the state who had already begun issuing marriage licenses to gay couples.

Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a directive to all state agencies demanding they preserve Texans' religious liberties after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage.

The Republican said his order on Friday applies to "any agency decision," including denying benefits to gay couples, enforcing agency contracts, state laws and other matters.

A short time later, he issued a memo saying that the government should not pressure people to violate their "sincerely held religious beliefs" on marriage.

County clerks in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and elsewhere had already begun issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples before Abbott's directive, and it appeared not to have any effect on them.

Same-sex couples in Texas are beginning to obtain marriage licenses following a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalizes gay marriage nationwide.

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has remained an emphatic opponent of gay marriage, even as signs in recent months pointed to the Supreme Court striking down state bans.

Gov. Greg Abbott is vowing to keep defending traditional values, saying he's preparing a directive to state agencies "instructing them to prioritize the protection of Texans' religious liberties."

Judges in Dallas County can waive the 72-hour waiting period between when marriage licenses are issued and ceremonies can be held as gay couples lined up Friday to wed.

Travis County says it will issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples following a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalizes gay marriage nationwide.

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has remained an emphatic opponent of gay marriage, even as signs in recent months pointed to the Supreme Court striking down state bans.

The Republican said that because of the Supreme Court's ruling "county clerks and Justices of the Peace could be forced to subjugate their sincerely held religious beliefs," and warned that could spark political "conflict throughout our state."

Attorney General Ken Paxton late Thursday asked county clerks and justices of the peace not to issue immediate gay marriage licenses following a high court decision, but instead to wait for his instructions.

Harris County's court clerk is among many in Texas awaiting guidance from the Texas attorney general on whether it can issue marriage licenses to gay couples.

[...] some state officials and county clerks might decide there is little risk in issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has remained an emphatic opponent of gay marriage, even as signs in recent months pointed to the Supreme Court striking down state bans.