Watch CBS News

Ken Paxton Faces Contempt Hearing Over Same-Sex Marriage Rights

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - A federal judge has ordered Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to explain why he should not be held in contempt for enforcing state laws that impede gay marriage rights.

Paxton has been ordered to appear in a federal court next Wednesday after a Houston gay man was not provided an amended death certificate for his husband.

The hearing is to determine whether Paxton and a top Texas Department of State Health Services official should be held in contempt after potentially disobeying a July 7 court order barring the state from enforcing any laws that impede the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision recognizing gay marriage.

The court order comes two days after Paxton was booked on securities fraud charges.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.