In a historic move for the LGBTQ+ community in the US, President Joe Biden signed legislation protecting same-sex and interracial marriage.
The Respect for Marriage Act officially passed in the US Congress on Thursday and was signed by the president, affirming federal protection to same-sex and interracial marriages
The Respect for Marriage Act prevents states—regardless of their individual laws on marriage—from using the “sex, race, national origin or ethnicity” of a married pair as a basis for denying them constitutional rights or protections. It also states that the federal government must recognize a marriage between two individuals if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed.
“Today is a good day,” Biden said in his White House speech. “A day America takes a vital step toward equality, for liberty and justice, not just for some, but for everyone. Toward creating a nation where decency, dignity and love are recognized, honored and protected.”
“We’re here today to celebrate their courage and everyone who made the day possible,” the president continued. “Courage that led to progress we’ve seen over the decades, progress that gives us hope that every generation will continue on our journey toward a more perfect union.”
Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay US senator, said she was “overcome with joy” at the signing of the law, which she helped draft in Congress. “Today, we are making history and making a difference for millions of Americans,” she said in a statement. “We are telling the millions of same-sex and interracial couples that we see them and we respect them.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, meanwhile, said she “was overcome with emotion bringing down the gavel on this legislation,” adding that Biden’s stroke of the pen would help ensure every American has the right to be married.
“This is about respect, this is about taking pride, and it’s about time that we do so,” Pelosi said.