Soto Votes to Enshrine Marriage Equality Under Federal Law
The Respect for Marriage Act will now head to President Biden’s desk for his signature
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) voted to send H.R. 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law. This landmark legislation takes several key steps to defend marriage equality by officially repealing the bigoted and unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act and upholding couples’ right to equal protection under federal law.
“I am proud to have voted for the Respect for Marriage Act to protect same-sex and interracial marriages in Central Florida and across America,” said Congressman Soto. “After the decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion, it was critical for us to come together to enshrine marriage equality into law. Soon, President Biden will sign this bill and deliver a major win for human rights.”
In his concurring opinion after the Supreme Court decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Justice Clarence Thomas explicitly called for the Supreme Court to reconsider its Obergefell v. Hodges decision upholding marriage equality. Since then, House Democrats have worked to protect all personal freedoms.
The Respect for Marriage Act will take several steps to protect the inviolability of same-sex and interracial marriages:
1. Repealing the Defense of Marriage Act: While the Supreme Court has effectively voided DOMA, this unconstitutional and discriminatory federal law remains on the books. The Respect for Marriage Act repeals this statute once and for all.
2. Enshrining Marriage Equality Into Federal Law: This legislation will uphold married couples’ right to equal protection in all areas covered under federal law, such as Social Security, tax filings, and veterans’ benefits.
3. Barring Discrimination By State Officials: This legislation prohibits state officials from denying recognition of an out-of-state marriage on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.
Previously passed by the House of Representatives earlier this year, the Respect for Marriage Act was amended and advanced by the Senate last week. With today’s vote in the House, the final bill now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature.
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