Chair Cicilline Urges Yes Vote on Respect for Marriage Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2022
Chair Cicilline Urges Yes Vote on Respect for Marriage Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Chair, David N. Cicilline (RI-01), today delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of H.R. 8404 which repeals the Defense of Marriage Act and ensures critical protections for same-sex and interracial marriages.
"Mr. Speaker, today's vote is about love. The love that couples have for each other and the government's role in respecting that love regardless of their sex or race.
"Same-sex couples and interracial couples get married for the same reasons others get married: to make a lifelong commitment to the person they love.
"Yet, for too long, our governments rejected that love. They told these couples they were less than — that their marriages weren't valid. That they didn't deserve the affirmation or protections that come with legal recognition.
"The Supreme Court made clear, in Loving, Windsor, and Obergefell, that this rejection of interracial and same-sex couples — and their commitment to one another — was unconstitutional.
"Today, we have the opportunity to uphold that declaration and ensure that our government continues to recognize and protect the right to make this commitment. Today, we have the opportunity to send a clear message to worried couples that the federal government will continue to recognize same-sex and interracial marriages — no matter what the future holds.
"And to Mr. Jordan's suggestion that this is not necessary. Tell that to the millions of LGBTQ families that are worried about the Supreme Court's intention to rip away more freedoms. They have taken away the freedom to reproductive care, they have hinted at taking away contraception, Justice Thomas [urged] to look at marriage equality; this is real for families. And when you talk about inflation, all families are dealing with costs of fuel and food, but we don't need to layer on top of that another fear about the sanctity of your marriage. This is about a fundamental fairness in our system, ensuring that people can marry the person they love. And if it's not necessary, then vote for it. If you're right that we are worried and we shouldn't be, reaffirm it. But don't hide behind that to justify your refusal to vote for marriage equality in this country. That every single American has the right to marry the person they love.
"And with that Mr. Speaker, I yield back."
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.
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