State Sen. José Rodríguez appalled by Attorney General’s opinion

Austin – State Sen. José Rodríguez today issued the following statement regarding Texas Attorney General Greg Paxton’s contention that elected officials in Texas are not bound by the U.S. Constitution:

It is irresponsible of the state’s top attorney to characterize the U.S. Supreme Court as “lawless” and to question whether the U.S. Supreme Court is the constitutionally-appointed final authority on questions of law in this country. The Attorney General has crossed the line in advising local public officials, who are not his clients, that they are not bound by the U.S. Constitution. He has erred grievously in giving them unsolicited advice that may subject them to liability in both their individual and official capacity, and could result in their removal from office for failure to uphold the law.

Public officials, from county clerks to the Attorney General to the Governor, do not get to choose what laws they will follow and which ones they will not. If they can’t follow the law, including upholding the U.S. constitution in its entirety, and fulfill all of their official duties, then they should resign from elected office.

The Attorney General twists the meaning of liberty when he uses it as a weapon to deprive certain people of their Constitutional rights. Let’s be clear – far-right conservatives do not own the definition of marriage nor do they speak for all religions. No church will be required to sanctify a marriage it does not approve of, but all elected public servants will be expected to follow the U.S. Constitution.

***

José Rodríguez represents Texas Senate District 29, which includes the counties of El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, and Presidio. He represents both urban and rural constituencies, and more than 350 miles of the Texas-Mexico border. Senator Rodríguez currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Hispanic Caucus, and is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Health and Human Services; Veteran Affairs and Military Installations; Nominations; and Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.

– 30 –