Respect for Marriage Act signed into law
Yesterday, President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage act into law on the White House lawn as the actual White House behind them was lit up in the colors of the Pride flag. This means that marriage rights for same-sex and interracial couples are protected, regardless of what the Supreme Court of the United States tries to do.
Many folks had a lot to say about this monumental moment at the White House today.
“For millions of LGBTQ+ Americans, today is a historic day,” Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said. “The inexorable march to equality is what America is all about.”
“Our work isn’t done,” Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said. “At the core, America has always been about expanding freedom, not restricting.”
“Today, as it always does, love wins. The new law will protect LGBTQ Americans and couples of different races, and their families, recognizing that they and their marriages are as loving and worthy of recognition as any other couple. GLAAD is proud to be among all those at the White House celebration today who helped achieve this milestone and continue to fight for equality, freedom, and acceptance for every LGBTQ person,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.
“Today I sign the Respect for Marriage Act into law,” said President Biden himself. “Marriage is a simple proposition. Who do you love? And will you be loyal to you the person you love? It’s not more complicated than that.”
Many members of the LGBTQ community from around the globe, as well as allies from near and far showed up in Washington D.C to witness this historic protection be signed into law. Approximately 3000 people gathered for the ceremony, including superstar Cindi Lauper and Grammy winner Sam Smith.
“I came here today because I just wanted to say thank you to President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Vice President Harris and all the advocates on his team,” said Lauper, addressing reporters from the White House press briefing room. “Because for once, our families — mine and a lot of my friends, people you know, sometimes your neighbors — we can rest easy tonight because our families are validated, because we are allowed to love who we love, which sounds odd to say, but Americans can now love who we love. Bless Joe Biden and all the people who worked on this for allowing people not to worry about their future.”
Congratulations to all involved in getting this important, historical issue signed into law for LGBTQ+ Americans.
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Featured Image: Credit: AFP – Getty Images
