The Respect for Marriage Act is Passed

This past Tuesday, the Senate passed the Respect for Marriage Act, which protects both same-sex marriage and interracial marriage. It doesn’t make all states allow same-sex marriages, but it does make them respect legal same-sex marriages from other states. Additionally, these marriages can qualify for federal benefits like Medicare. With votes from every Democrat plus a dozen Republicans, the bill passed 61-36.

“With today’s bipartisan Senate passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, the United States is on the brink of reaffirming a fundamental truth: love is love, and Americans should have the right to marry the person they love,” President Biden spoke on the matter. “For millions of Americans, this legislation will safeguard the rights and protections to which LGBTQI+ and interracial couples and their children are entitled. It will also ensure that, for generations to follow, LGBTQI+ youth will grow up knowing that they, too, can lead full, happy lives and build families of their own.”

Democrats were surprised at how quickly the bill passed, and will soon become law with the approval of President Joe Biden, who publicly voiced his support for same-sex marriage. It could become law before the end of the year, which would be a victory for House Democrats since House Republicans have taken control, making it harder for Democrats to pass similar legislation.

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LUKE FANN

Editor-in-Chief at The City Voice | fann-l@students.grps.org

Editor-in-Chief Luke Fann is a junior at City and freelances for Rapid Growth Media's Voices of Youth program. He also attends Michigan State University's MIPA Summer Journalism Workshop, receiving the Sparty Award in Journalistic Storytelling and the Art of Storytelling. Additionally, he recieved an Award of Excellence in the Level Up: Leadership for Media program in 2025 and earned an honorable mention for his piece on AI and LLMs at the 2024 MIPA Spring Awards.

Luke began writing in 7th grade and became an editor by the following year. By his sophomore year, he was Managing Editor and then Editor-in-Chief. As for writing, he focuses on business and technology news, taking a deeper dive into topics rather than focusing solely on breaking news. He also covers personal interests, and his weekly editorials offer unique takes on timely issues.

If you're interested in writing for The City Voice, especially as a middle schooler or Underclassman, reach out to Luke or attend a meeting. Journalism is a great way to express your passions. No matter your background, The City Voice wants to hear your voice.