TEXAS: Federal Judge Refuses To Consolidate Three Marriage Lawsuits

Via Lone Star Q:

Following a hearing in Austin, a federal judge today rejected a motion from [Texas Attorney General Greg] Abbott’s office to consolidate three separate lawsuits brought by same-sex couples who allege the marriage bans violate the U.S. Constitution. The decision from U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks means the cases will proceed separately toward trial in Austin and San Antonio. Neel Lane, an attorney representing the plaintiffs in one of the lawsuits, said he was pleased with the decision because it means a hearing set for Feb. 12 in San Antonio will go forward. U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia has scheduled the hearing to consider the couples’ motion for a preliminary injunction, which would bar the state from enforcing the marriage bans pending trial. The case is known as DeLeon v. Perry.

The two other cases will be tried simultaneously, probably in late summer.