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LGBT Equality Caucus

MEDIA CENTER

Equality Caucus Celebrates Bipartisan Passage of the Respect for Marriage Act

July 19, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, by a bipartisan vote of 267 - 157 the House of Representatives passed H.R. 8404, the "Respect for Marriage Act," to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and ensure critical protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. The Respect for Marriage Act was co-led by every openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress; House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10); Tri-Caucus Chairs Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), and Judy Chu (D-CA); and Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

"The Respect for Marriage Act takes critical steps towards protecting marriage equality across this country. This legislation respects and recognizes the relationships, lives, and marriages of same-sex and interracial couples across the country who deserve to be treated as equals," said Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "The vast majority of the American people agree that marriage equality is settled law. By passing this bill, Congress can make certain that Americans who have built families and lives around the recognition of marriage equality are protected. I am proud that this bipartisan bill recognizes the fundamental rights of the American people regarding marriage equality, and I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill and send it to the President's desk for his signature."

The bill text can be found here.

Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.