Texas Judge Warned on Same-Sex Unions Can Pursue Claim in Court

A Texas judge slapped with a public warning for refusing to marry same-sex couples can fight the penalty in court, the state’s highest court ruled.

The Texas Supreme Court on Friday reversed two lower courts, which said Judge Dianne Hensley needed to challenge the sanction through an administrative appeal, not through the courts.

The Special Court of Review handling administrative appeals “could not have finally decided whether Hensley is entitled to the relief sought in this case or awarded the relief” the state’s religious freedom act “provides if it is determined that her claim has merit,” Chief Justice Nathan ...