Mark Jimenez and his life-partner Beau Chandler were arrested for protesting their inability to get a marriage license in Dallas, Texas.

On Thursday the gay couple attempted to apply for a marriage license, though legally banned in Texas since 2005.  After being denied a license they handcuffed themselves to each other at the Dallas County Clerk office. 

After their arrest and release, Chandler filed paperwork to legally change his last name to Jimenez.  The couple has also started a Facebook page to tell their story and get support for gay marriage in Texas. 

Jimenez and Chandler are the first gay couple arrested in Texas for protesting the state’s gay marriage ban.  The exact criminal charges they face are unknown, criminal trespassing carries a $2,000 fine with up to 180 days in jail.