Warren Chisum - Gay Marriage & Hate Crime Legislation

Chisum files for gay marriage ban in Texas
11/8/2004 5:30:39 PM
By: News 8 Austin Staff

State lawmakers can now file bills for consideration in next year's legislative session.
Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, proposed an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would ban gay marriage.
Gay and lesbian activists called the bill an "affront to the ideals of fairness, tolerance and equality."
"Committed gay and lesbian couples who pay the same taxes and contribute to our society should not be required to incur high legal costs for protections that would otherwise be conferred with a $42 marriage license," Heath Riddles of the Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas said.
Lawmakers convene on Jan. 11 at the State Capitol.
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Warren Chisum supports James Byrd Hate Crime Legislation

State Representative Warren Chisum is notorious for introducing legislation harmful to the gay and lesbian community. Any bill filed to prohibit the recognition of gay marriage, take away parental rights of gays and lesbians, or otherwise marginalize our community is either introduced or endorsed by the Representative from Pampa.
A staunch opponent of hate crimes legislation that includes protection for gays and lesbians, Chisum took Garcia head-on in a 1995 Vanity Fair magazine feature on the issue.
In 1999, when additional votes were needed to pass the legislation out of the house, Dianne literally begged Chisum - to the point of tears - to support the legislation.
"He just stood there and looked at me."
Therefore, when Chisum actually voted in favor of the legislation last session, it was remarkable.
"It was incredible to hear him say, five years after we began our dialogue on hate crimes, that he supported our cause," Dianne said. "I know it is only because he finally opened his eyes and looked at those who'd experienced the unnecessary violence - all those who came to his office to share their pain."
"Dianne is an amazing advocate," said openly gay State Representative Glen Maxey (D-Austin). "Anyone who can move Warren Chisum, the chief homophobe when I came to the House, from a total enemy to a supporter of gays and lesbians in the hate crimes bill, has to have a special talent."
Last session the bill had over sixty co-sponsors in the House and was easily passed to the Senate for consideration. After three hours of familiar fodder on the Senate floor, the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act finally became law.

source: http://www.txtriangle.com/archive/1015/topstories.htm