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 at The City Voice

Hello, my name is Luke Fann. I love to read and write myself into a fantastical realm, but I love all genres. Of course, such a task requires assistance from my parents and older brother. I've feasted on alligators and tamed beasts like alpacas (my favorite animal), but none of that compares to my greatest weapon: a pencil. I am an editor here for the City Voice, and this is my second year writing for it.