There was a monumental moment for equality today in Texas, a state that passed a law banning same-sex marriage. The federal government decided to say “nah-ah” to their law saying that it was unconstitutional. 

While states have the right to pass their own laws, the federal government can overturn that law if deemed unconstitutional.

Today, Rick Perry decided to weigh in on the overturn of their same-sex marriage ban with the following statement, tweeted out by NBC Nightly News.

He said:

“Texans spoke loud and clear by overwhelmingly voting to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman in our Constitution, and it is not the role of the federal government to over turn the will of our citizens.”

Alright, Gov. Perry, here is a little quote from the United States Constitution: Article VI:

“This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.”

Boom!

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Perry also went on to say that they would go on to “fight for their rights as Texans to self-determine the laws of our state.” That’s all well and good, but you can’t do something that violates the United States Constitution.

As of right now same-sex marriage is legally recognized by the federal government, and some states. So far 17 states (including New York) have legalized same-sex marriage. We for sure need to get that number higher.

Update 4:31pm:

I found some comments from Federal Judge Orlando Garcia that says exactly why he overturned the law:

“Without a rational relation to a legitimate government purpose, state-imposed inequality can find no refuge in our United States Constitution.”