Gay marriage ban delayed in Texas Senate

AUSTIN, Texas, May 17 (UPI) -- A proposed constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage in Texas has been delayed in the Legislature as the session's end nears.

Democrat Rodney Ellis delayed a Senate hearing on the House-passed amendment for up to 48 hours, the Austin American-Statesman reported Tuesday. The hearing will not take place until later this week.

An aide said Ellis' action drew a threatening telephone call from someone identifying himself as representing the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, but state troopers said they were unable to confirm the threat came from the group.

Ellis, who opposes the amendment, said he delayed consideration because a notice was posted Saturday for a Monday hearing. He said opponents didn't have enough time to organize their presentation at the hearing.

Supporters of the amendment said they still believe two-thirds of the Senate will approve the amendment and Texas voters will adopt it this November.