American queers rejoiced and celebrated June 26, 2015, when same-sex marriage was ruled legal. Anyone in the states could marry who they love. However, then the Supreme Court became ultra-conservative thanks to the likes of former President Donald Trump. Fear loomed over the community, as their rights fell into jeopardy. Roe v. Wade was then overturned and the supreme judges made it clear that same-sex marriage and interracial marriage — alongside sodomy — was next.
The Respect for Marriage Act is a step toward permanently protecting these rights. Originally introduced June 18, it was voted on in the Senate Nov. 29. The act would codify interracial and same-sex marriage, barring the Supreme Court from overturning any ruling to make it illegal. Thirty-six Republicans voted no on the bill. Notably, Mitch McConnell voted no, while being in an interracial marriage.
Nonetheless, the act passed the Senate. That means the bill will go on to the next part of the chain, the House, slowly making its way to President Joe Biden, who can either veto the bill and send it back, or sign it into legislation. It is extremely likely Biden will approve of the bill.
Biden said in a statement: “With today’s bipartisan Senate passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, the United States is on the brink of reaffirming a fundamental truth: love is love, and Americans should have the right to marry the person they love. For millions of Americans, this legislation will safeguard the rights and protections to which LGBTQI+ and interracial couples and their children are entitled.”
This bill, however, isn’t just some ordinary law. It’s a sign. A sign to those fighting against queer rights that we won’t back down, and a sign of hope to queers. Gay couples, transgender couples and “nontraditional” couples no longer have the looming fear of the Supreme Court stripping them of their right to marry, to love and to just be.
Anyone should be able to marry anyone. To be able to marry for love, for tax purposes or for fun. This act is what will guarantee that future for Americans.
