FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: DeAnne Cuellar, 210-896-9141, deanne.cuellar@equalitytexas.org

Despite Ken Paxton’s Objection, Equality Texas Board Member Brian T. Thompson Wins Same-sex Marriage Settlement

AUSTIN – A Travis County judge, approved an out-of-court settlement Tuesday, ending an estate dispute between Sonemaly Phrasavath and the family of her deceased wife — Stella Powell. Judge Guy Herman, despite objections from the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, approved an out-of-court settlement recognizing the common-law marriage of the two Austin women.

“How many more courts have to tell Ken Paxton that these statutes (banning same-sex marriage) are unconstitutional?” Brian Thompson, Phrasavath’s lawyer said. “Apparently one more.”

Equality Texas works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.