The fourth largest city in the United States is ran by Annise Parker, the first openly gay mayor.
Her city is diverse and is slated to overtake Chicago in population growth in the coming years.
But in her narrow minded state of Texas, it's going to be slight work for her teen daughter to obtain a license in the state. The reason: gay marriage is not recognized in the state of Texas.
The Texas Department of Public Safety denied Marquitta Parker her license because her mom, the mayor is married to another woman.
Her mom was annoyed with the situation:
Daughter needs drivers test. Has all docs, some in MomA name, some MomK, but w/ birth cert showing both. DPS says can only be from 1 mom!-A
— Annise Parker (@AnniseParker) October 24, 2014
It took a few more proper documentations and a lot of arm pulling for the teen to finally get her license.
Finally! After 3rd trip to DPS w/ different sets of docs in an unnecessary paper chase, last child has her drivers license.-A
— Annise Parker (@AnniseParker) October 24, 2014
I know that getting a driver's license requires some documentation. And according to the Texas Department of Safety's official website, they have these values and goals.
Mission: Protect and Serve Texas
Vision: Proactively protect the citizens of Texas in an ever changing threat environment while always remaining faithful to the U.S. and State Constitution.
Core Values: Integrity: We demonstrate through our actions honesty, fairness and respect for others in our professional and personal lives
Excellence: We strive to be outstanding in everything we do and we never settle for less
Accountability: We seek and accept responsibility for our actions, performance and results
Teamwork: We work closely with other agencies to achieve common objectives
Motto: Courtesy, Service, Protection
Goals: Combat Crime and Terrorism, Enhance Highway and Public Safety, Enhance Statewide Emergency Management, Enhance Public Safety Licensing and Regulatory Services
Amanda Terkel of the Huffington Post reports the DPS agency also came under fire earlier this year for denying a lesbian a driver's license. Connie Wilson took her spouse's name after they wed in California. But when Wilson moved to Texas and tried to get a driver's license, DPS refused to accept her marriage certificate as a secondary form of identification. Marriage equality is not legal in Texas, and DPS said Wilson would have to get a court order to receive a license with her new name.
A federal appeals court recently agreed to expedite a case on whether Texas can continue to ban same-sex marriage.