On this Valentine's Day, some gay and lesbian couples were among those applying for marriage licenses in Austin.

KVUE News

Several Austin couples protested the law against same sex marriage in Texas.

Several Austin couples participated in the 10th annual National Freedom to Marry Week by requesting a marriage license from Travis County. They were turned away.

The couples say gay and lesbian couples are being denied more than a thousand rights and benefits afforded with a marriage license.

"I could meet and marry any guy off the street today. In fact, I could win a husband on a game show tomorrow," said Tonya Voss. "But I can't provide these rights and responsibilities for my partner of 18 years and my children and that's just not right."

Same sex marriage is not legal in Texas.

Voters passed an amendment to the Texas Constitution banning recognition of same sex relationships in 2005.