The bipartisan bill, which will protect the marriages of same-sex and interracial couples under federal law, will be signed into law by President Joe Biden at a White House Ceremony.
Today, the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act (RMA) will be signed into law by President Joe Biden at an event attended by Family Equality and other movement partners and LGBTQ+ families.
The bill formally repeals the unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), ensures that federal law continues to recognize marriage equality, and requires states to give full faith and credit to any valid marriage — providing LGBTQ+ and interracial couples with added security and protections amid looming threats from the Supreme Court following the overturning of Roe v. Wade this summer.
The bipartisan support demonstrated in both the House and Senate votes reflects recent polling, which suggests that 71% of Americans from all demographics, geographies, and political parties support marriage equality.
“It is important to remember that Obergefell – and nationwide marriage equality – is still the law of the land. The Respect for Marriage Act provides LGBTQ+ couples with the security they deserve. Family is the foundation of our country, and all families deserve to be respected and protected no matter what,” says Family Equality CEO, Stacey Stevenson. “With the escalating anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and more than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in states across the country in 2022, safety and protection is a top priority for LGBTQ+ families.
Family Equality staff, spouses, children, and supporters will attend the Respect for Marriage Act signing event, which will occur on Tuesday, December 13 on the White House lawn.
“I’m grateful for the hard work of so many – our policy team, our families, our movement partners, and, most importantly, pro-equality legislators including Senator Tammy Baldwin, Senator Rob Portman, Senator Thom Tillis, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, all of the bill’s cosponsors, and those who crossed party lines to vote for the bill,” said Stevenson. “Their collective efforts ensured the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act and ensured LGBTQ+ families in our country are protected.”
“Today is a historic day for LGBTQ+ equality. Today, love wins.”
About Family Equality
Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.
# # #
Press Contact
Tonya Agnew,
Chief Communications Officer
(765) 490-4709 / tagnew@familyequality.org