The vote was 267-157 in favour of approval, with some Republicans joining Democrats.
Digital Desk: In light of concerns that other rights condemned by many conservative Americans could be jeopardized by the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade abortion access, the US House overwhelmingly approved legislation Tuesday to protect same-sex and interracial marriages.
The vote was 267-157 in favour of approval, with some Republicans joining Democrats.
In a robust but lopsided debate, Democrats passionately fought for enshrining marriage equality in federal law, while Republicans avoided outright opposing gay marriage. Leading Republicans, however, argued that considering the nation's other issues, the bill was unnecessary.
The roll call on Tuesday, which was held during an election year, had a political purpose in that it made all House members—Democrats and Republicans alike—express their opinions publicly. It also represented the legislative branch's response to a litigious court that has raised concerns that it may reconsider long-established American laws.
Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-New York, who identified himself as one of the openly gay members of the House, said, "For me, this is personal."
He stated, "Imagine telling my generation, the future generation of Americans, that we no longer have the right to marry." That cannot be allowed by Congress.
Out of concern for the political repercussions, GOP leaders did not order their senators to stick to the party line and oppose the bill. Dozens of Democrats and dozens of Republicans voted in favour of the proposal.
The Respect for Marriage Act is expected to pass the House with a Democratic majority; however, because the Senate is evenly split, most Republicans are likely to join a filibuster to stop it. As a result, the bill is almost certain to stall there.
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