The normal meeting of Houston City Council got underway a bit late this morning: Mayor Annise Parker acknowledged she was in the back, with some staff and council members, watching for the announcement of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which banned same-sex marriage.
Parker was the first openly gay person to lead a major American city. Councilman Mike Laster, who represents southwest Houston, also is gay. Both officials commented on the ruling this morning.
A few words of context on their comments: Laster is a lawyer, and “Feldman” refers to City Attorney David Feldman. In the middle of Parker’s comments, a reporter mentions “Kathy,” referring to her partner of 22 years, Kathy Hubbard.