AUSTIN, TX – One of the state’s most conservative lawmakers has asked for the state attorney general’s opinion on the constitutionality of local governments granting marriage benefits to same-sex partners.

State Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston) asked Attorney General Greg Abbott to clarify a matter concerning the 2005 amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman and prohibits government entities from recognizing unions that are similar to marriage.

Patrick, a radio talk show host and chairman of the Senate Education Committee, cited the extension of certain benefits to domestic partners by the cities of Austin, El Paso, and Forth Worth, and the recent decision by the Pflugerville Independent School District to become the first Texas school district to extend similar benefits.