For all the big Texas talk about the lures of the Lone Star state, even Texans know the advantages of California. One testament to our virtues came recently from an unlikely source: the mayor of Houston.
The leader of the largest city in Texas came to Palm Springs, Calif., for the biggest day of her life: her marriage.
Why would a Texas politician confirm the biggest personal and financial decision of anyone’s life in California?
Because Mayor Annise Parker and her longtime partner Kathy Hubbard couldn’t get married legally in Texas.
Their marriage has been a news item in Texas. One Republican accused her of trying to get the benefit of an executive order she had issued extending city benefits to the same-sex spouses of employees married in states where same-sex marriage is legal. Another Republican, now running for lieutenant governor, claimed her marriage was part of a plan to make Houston more like California.
They should be so lucky.
The marriage made little news here in California, which is too bad. But it’s not too late for us Californians to congratulate the couple, and ourselves. Mazel Tov!