"Not a single word in the United States Constitution gives the federal government the authority to regulate marriage," Abbott says. "Instead, that authority has always been given to the states under the 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution."
Following the Supreme Court's decision, the Kentucky clerk refused for months to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. She claims it violates her religious beliefs, but the judge says that's not a viable defense.
Abbott says despite the decision at the federal level, state statutes should help support religious freedom.
"Texas has a Religious Freedom Restoration Act that should protect any individual or any business owner from being forced to participate in a wedding that would force them to violate their religious beliefs," he says.
Many legal scholars agree that the Supreme Court's decision overrides state bans on same-sex marriage, like the one in Texas.
Subscribe to Today in Houston
Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom.