ABOVE: President Joe Biden. Photo via The White House/YouTube.
President Joe Biden will sign the Respect for Marriage Act into law Dec. 13 at 3:30 p.m. at the White House, flanked by bipartisan supporters.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted Dec. 8 to provide federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages, passing the measure by a vote of 258-169. The U.S. Senate voted 61-36 on Nov. 29, with Democrats from each chamber voting unanimously in support.
“Today, I sign the Respect for Marriage Act into law – a landmark civil rights bill that honors the courage and sacrifice of generations of couples who fought for marriage equality and equal rights,” the president shared via social media Dec. 13. LGBTQ advocates from around the nation are expected to attend the ceremony.
“The signing will mark the culmination of a monthslong bipartisan effort sparked by the Supreme Court’s decision in June to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that made abortion available across the country,” the Associated Press reported ahead of the gathering. Justice Clarence Thomas suggested in his concurring opinion that the conservative body should revisit decisions such as Obergefell v. Hodges, the nation’s landmark marriage equality case.
Read more about the forthcoming law via the AP below:
Lawmakers crafted a compromise that was intended to assuage conservative concerns about religious liberty, such as ensuring churches could still refuse to perform gay marriages.
In addition, states will not be required to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. But they will be required to recognize marriages conducted elsewhere in the country.
A majority of Republicans in Congress still voted against the legislation. However, enough supported it to sidestep a filibuster in the Senate and ensure its passage.
Biden, a longtime LGBTQ ally, also noted in a statement that “Congress has restored a measure of security to millions of marriages and families. They have also provided hope and dignity to millions of young people across this country who can grow up knowing that their government will recognize and respect the families they build.”
The president is scheduled to sign the legislation into law at 3:30 p.m. You can watch below.
