Brown's lawyers contend that Ms Hynie was already married when she exchanged vows with the soul star in 2001, making their marriage void.

BBC: Tomi Rae Hynie and her child

The judge ruled that as surgery does not change chromosomes and that as Texas law does not recognise same-sex unions, the marriage was void.

ECONOMIST: Sex is a complicated thing to define

The court heard Rachel was contacted by the third Mrs Floodgate, of Calgary, Canada, who realised her marriage to Mr Floodgate was void.

BBC: Garry Floodgate