By:  Chisum, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Staples)                  H.J.R. No. 6  
	(In the Senate - Received from the House April 26, 2005; 
April 27, 2005, read first time and referred to Committee on State 
Affairs; May 20, 2005, reported favorably by the following vote:  
Yeas 6, Nays 2; May 20, 2005, sent to printer.)


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION


proposing a constitutional amendment providing that marriage in 
this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman.
	BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                       
	SECTION 1.  Article I, Texas Constitution, is amended by 
adding Section 32 to read as follows:
	Sec. 32.  (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.
	SECTION 2.  This state recognizes that through the 
designation of guardians, the appointment of agents, and the use of 
private contracts, persons may adequately and properly appoint 
guardians and arrange rights relating to hospital visitation, 
property, and the entitlement to proceeds of life insurance 
policies without the existence of any legal status identical or 
similar to marriage.
	SECTION 3.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be 
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 8, 2005.  
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the 
proposition:  "The constitutional amendment providing that 
marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one 
woman and prohibiting this state or a political subdivision of this 
state from creating or recognizing any legal status identical or 
similar to marriage."



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