LAS VEGAS — Today, Silver State Equality, Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, celebrates President Joe Biden’s signing of the Respect for Marriage Act. This landmark legislation repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, enshrines into law the right to marry whomever you choose, and says that no government or government official may deny respect for those marriages based on the couples’ sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.
André Wade, state director of Silver State Equality, who was on-hand for the bill signing, made the following statement:
“Today, President Biden has signed the Respect for Marriage Act, a critical step ensuring that Americans have the right to marry the person they love. We appreciate his leadership on this vital legislation and the large bipartisan votes it received in Congress. Today, millions of LGBTQ+ and interracial couples receive the peace of mind that the rights to which they and their children are entitled are now enshrined in law. “This summer, the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision caused a wave of uncertainty for LGBTQ+ couples across the country. The Respect for Marriage Act has restored a measure of security to millions of marriages and families. It also gives hope and dignity to millions of young people across the country, who can grow up knowing that their government will recognize and respect the families they build. “We offer a special thanks to Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, and the other unwavering champions of the Respect for Marriage Act, including Representatives Nadler, Cicilline, and Davids, and Senators Baldwin, Collins, Portman, Sinema, Tillis, and Feinstein. These leaders refused to be deterred by those wishing to sideline this all-important legislation and worked tirelessly to push it over the finish line. Together, they showed that Democrats and Republicans can work together to fight for our most basic rights. “We would be remiss not to mention and thank the brave couples and fierce activists who, for decades, fought to make the dream of true, lived equality a reality. Even though we still have a long way to go, we are one step closer to building a more perfect union. Silver State Equality won’t stop fighting until the dream of full equality for LGBTQ+ Americans and all Americans is realized.”
“Today, President Biden has signed the Respect for Marriage Act, a critical step ensuring that Americans have the right to marry the person they love. We appreciate his leadership on this vital legislation and the large bipartisan votes it received in Congress. Today, millions of LGBTQ+ and interracial couples receive the peace of mind that the rights to which they and their children are entitled are now enshrined in law.
“This summer, the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision caused a wave of uncertainty for LGBTQ+ couples across the country. The Respect for Marriage Act has restored a measure of security to millions of marriages and families. It also gives hope and dignity to millions of young people across the country, who can grow up knowing that their government will recognize and respect the families they build.
“We offer a special thanks to Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, and the other unwavering champions of the Respect for Marriage Act, including Representatives Nadler, Cicilline, and Davids, and Senators Baldwin, Collins, Portman, Sinema, Tillis, and Feinstein. These leaders refused to be deterred by those wishing to sideline this all-important legislation and worked tirelessly to push it over the finish line. Together, they showed that Democrats and Republicans can work together to fight for our most basic rights.
“We would be remiss not to mention and thank the brave couples and fierce activists who, for decades, fought to make the dream of true, lived equality a reality. Even though we still have a long way to go, we are one step closer to building a more perfect union. Silver State Equality won’t stop fighting until the dream of full equality for LGBTQ+ Americans and all Americans is realized.”
The Respect for Marriage Act passed the United States House of Representatives by a largely bipartisan vote of 258—169; the Senate passed the legislation on a vote of 61—36 last month, with the support of all Senate Democrats and 12 Republicans. If the Supreme Court overturns its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, which legalized same-sex marriage, a state may still pass legislation prohibiting same-sex marriage, but that state must recognize a same-sex marriage from another state.
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As Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, Silver State Equality brings the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in Nevada and throughout the U.S. Silver State Equality strives to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. Silver State Equality is a Nevada-based program affiliated with and supported by Equality California and Equality California Institute, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. More information at SilverStateEquality.org.
