Abbott tells agencies to prioritize religious freedom in wake of same-sex ruling

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott shares a laugh with news reporters during a round table talk in his office at the Texas Capitol, Wednesday, June 3, 2015, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott shares a laugh with news reporters during a round table talk in his office at the Texas Capitol, Wednesday, June 3, 2015, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Photo: Eric Gay, STF Photo: Eric Gay, STF Image 1 of / 56 Caption Close Abbott tells agencies to prioritize religious freedom in wake of same-sex ruling 1 / 56 Back to Gallery

Hours after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage across the country on Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told his department directors to not take action against any state officials who act or refuse to act on account of their "sincere religious belief."

"This order applies to any agency decision, including but not limited to granting or denying benefits, managing agency employees, entering or enforcing agency contracts, licensing and permitting decisions, or enforcing state laws and regulations," Abbott wrote.

The directive appeared to open the door to allow state agencies to refuse to give employee benefits to same-sex couples.

Hours later, however, Abbott spokesman John Wittman issued a statement to clarify the governor's directive.

"The Governor's directive does not authorize or order state agencies to deny benefits to same-sex couples," Wittman said in an email. "The directive ensures that individuals doing business with the state cannot be discriminated against because of their religious beliefs."

Abbott's directive ordered the heads of state agencies to prioritize religious freedom, writing that no adverse action should be taken against a state official "on account of the person's act or refusal to act that is substantially motivated by sincere religious belief."

Earlier this month, the governor signed into law the "Pastor Protection Act," which exempts private citizens from performing marriages that would cause them to "violate a sincerely held religious belief."

"In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision, the law's promise of religious liberty will be tested by some who seek to silence and marginalize those whose conscience will not allow them to participate in or endorse marriages that are incompatible with their religious beliefs," Abbott wrote. "As government officials, we have a constitutional duty to preserve, protect, and defend the religious liberty of every Texan."