Equality Caucus Celebrates Bipartisan House Passage of the Respect for Marriage Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, by a bipartisan vote of 258 to 169, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act, to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and ensure critical protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. The Respect for Marriage Act was introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman and Equality Caucus Vice Chair Jerrold Nadler (NY-10); all nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, Tri-Caucus Chairs Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), and Judy Chu (D-CA); and Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). The Senate companion bill was introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein (CA), Tammy Baldwin (WI) and Susan Collins (ME). The legislation will now go to President Biden for his signature.

"The Respect for Marriage Act is a bipartisan triumph and a testament that love will always win in the end. After the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision and Justice Thomas' alarming concurring opinion, it became imperative that Congress do everything we constitutionally could do to ensure that marriages across this country continue to be protected. Today, Congress did what needed to be done," said Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "Thanks to our actions today, married people who are building their lives together now know that the government will continue to respect and recognize their marriages. Our work toward equality, however, is not done. We need to harness this momentum and work towards full equality for LGBTQ+ people in all areas of life, including by passing the Equality Act into law."

"We must protect marriage equality and families across the country from SCOTUS' attacks on our rights," said Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "While we hope the day never comes that Obergefell is overturned and such a law is necessary, I was proud to support and vote for the Respect for Marriage Act to ensure our rights are protected by enshrining marriage equality into law."

"Millions of same-sex and interracial couples can breathe a sigh of relief," said Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02), Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "I am thankful to Chairman Jerry Nadler and the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus for taking swift action to protect our rights after radicals on the Supreme Court directly threatened same-sex and interracial marriages. I am proud of my friend, Senator Tammy Baldwin, for getting this across the finish line. I look forward to the day President Biden signs this into law."

"As the first openly gay Member of color elected in history, enactment of the Respect for Marriage Act means the world to me, to my loved ones, and to millions of Americans," said Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "Yet we cannot rest— the necessity of this legislation in response to extreme Supreme Court action is a stark call for our vigilance in the fight for human rights. We must rise to the challenge, and we will prevail." 

"I was proud today to vote for the Respect for Marriage Act," said Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02), Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "This bill will enshrine marriage equality into law and ensure that – no matter what – families like mine will always be recognized under the law."

"After the Dobbs decision, people across Kansas and the entire country felt fear and anxiety as many of our individual freedoms were called into question or outright stripped away. That includes marriage equality for same-sex couples, which was explicitly threatened by Justice Thomas," said Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03), Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "I'm proud to have introduced legislation that will help lessen that fear and provide stability to so many families, and I applaud the bipartisan group of lawmakers who joined me to stand up for our rights."

"Next year I will marry the love of my life. But if the Supreme Court heeds Justice Thomas's call to reconsider Obergefell, our marriage won't be recognized in all 50 states," said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "Every American is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and the Respect for Marriage Act will protect spousal rights regardless of what the Court does next. We simply cannot go backward, which is why I am thrilled to see this legislation pass the House again today with a strong bipartisan vote. I am grateful that President Biden will sign this into law to protect the rights of all same-sex and interracial couples."

"When I became one of the first two openly gay, Black members of Congress, I promised to lead and deliver for the LGBTQ+ community," said Congressman Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "Congress just sent a clear and powerful message to every LGBTQ+ American: you are not invisible. We see you, you are loved, and you matter. And now, your right to love openly and proudly is recognized by the federal government—for the first time by federal statute. Passage of the Respect for Marriage Act is a monumental step in the right direction—but our fight for equality continues."

"Today is a historic day for LGBTQ+ equality. The past year has shown us that our fundamental rights are under attack by the radical right wing of the Supreme Court. That is why I am encouraged by the bipartisan action to finally statutorily protect same-sex and interracial marriage," said Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "History will tell who stood on the right side of justice and equality, and I am proud that even in the face of opposition, this Congress is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding rights for all Americans no matter who they love."

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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