US Senate Passes Bill Granting Protection To Same-Sex & Interracial Marriages

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• Nov 30, 2022 | Dhupali Das

The Senate passed the Respect for Marriage Act by a vote of 61-36, with 60 votes...

Digital Desk: The US Senate enacted legislation granting federal protections to same-sex and interracial marriages in the United States.

The Senate passed the Respect for Marriage Act by a vote of 61-36, with 60 votes needed for approval, according to CNN.

The bill mandates the federal government of the United States to recognize a marriage between two people if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed. According to US media, it also ensures recognition of interstate marriages under the US Constitution's full faith and credit clause.

However, the bill does not require US states to issue marriage licenses contrary to their laws.

US President Joe Biden stated in a statement that the Senate's approval of the Respect for Marriage Act is a bipartisan success that demonstrates how both Republicans and Democrats support the right of LGBTQ and interracial couples to marry.

"The United States is on the verge of reinforcing a fundamental truth: love is love and Americans should have the freedom to marry the person they love with today's bipartisan Senate adoption of the Respect for Marriage Act.  For millions of Americans, this legislation will safeguard the rights and protections to which LGBTQI+ and interracial couples and their children are entitled," Biden stated.

"It will also ensure that, for future generations, LGBTQI+ kids know that they, too, can lead full, happy lives and build families," he added.

Biden stated that if the bill passes the House and is put on his desk, he will sign it.

The Act was crafted through bipartisan collaboration and revised to include religious liberties for organizations that do not intend to supply goods or services to celebrate same-sex marriages.

Additionally, there are clauses in the measure that prevent it from being used to weaken or eliminate protections like the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The proposal is expected to be signed into law by US President Joe Biden after the House passes it in July.

The bill was passed by the Senate during its so-called "lame duck session," which took place between Election Day earlier in November and the new class of senators assuming office in January. While Democrats will keep their Senate majority, they will lose control of the House.

Before the end of the year, lawmakers will also address government financing legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act, Ukraine aid, and other legislative objectives.