Progress Texas has joined forces with Equality Texas to push back on the Republican ban on marriage for same-sex couples.

As part of its convention in Fort Worth, the Texas Republican Party is hosting a rally in support of Attorney General Greg Abbott’s appeal of a ruling declaring unconstitutional the Texas amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples.

In response, thousands of Texans are signing a petition launched on Tuesday by Progress Texas and Equality Texas urging Republican leaders to defend the freedom of every Texan to marry the person they love.

Greg Abbott and the Republican Party are outnumbered on this issue.

Meanwhile, John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, Dan Patrick, and Ken Paxton are slated to speak at the rally to promote a Texas Republican Party platform that includes a grossly explicit condemnation of the freedom to marry.

Two recent polls conducted by The University of Texas/Texas Tribune and Public Policy Polling demonstrate that Texans have evolved on this issue, and that the freedom to marry is increasingly gaining support. Eighteen states, plus the District of Columbia, allow marriage for same-sex couples.

Ed Espinoza, Executive Director of Progress Texas, released the following statement:

“Greg Abbott and the Republican Party are on the wrong side of history opposing every Texan's freedom to marry the person they love. Their opinions are outdated and their supporters are outnumbered on this issue.”

Chuck Smith, Executive Director of Equality Texas, released the following statement:

“Opposition to the freedom to marry is contrary to core Republican values of individual liberty and personal freedom and responsibility.

It is past time for the Republican Party of Texas to demonstrate a commitment to these principles by embracing all Texas families and supporting the freedom to marry.”