LAS VEGAS (Nov.16, 2022)— Silver State Equality, Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, commended today’s Senate vote advancing the Respect for Marriage Act to a final vote. The bipartisan vote included 50 Democrats and 12 Republicans. If passed, the legislation would repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, and enshrine into law a fundamental freedom: the right to marry whomever you choose, and that no government may deny respect for those marriages based on the couples’ sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.
André Wade, state director of Silver State Equality, released the following statement in response to the Senate’s vote on the Respect for Marriage Act:
“Since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling, marriage rights are now squarely in the crosshairs of radical, right-wing extremists. Today’s bipartisan Senate vote reflects what 70% of Americans agree with – that all loving, committed couples have the right to be respected and treated equally under federal law. The Respect for Marriage Act will enshrine marriage equality in federal law — now and for generations to come.
“This legislation is vital to assuring millions of Americans about the stability of their families and the benefits afforded to them. We are grateful to bipartisan leaders Senators Collins, Feinstein, and Baldwin who introduced this measure and to the Senators on both sides of the aisle who supported it today.
“This is a vote and victory the LGBTQ+ community will not soon forget, but much more needs to be addressed for the well-being of our community. Silver State Equality will continue fighting to protect transgender youth, advocate for life-saving gender-affirming care, and will not tolerate anti-LGBTQ+ attacks.
“We call on Congress to swiftly pass this legislation and urge President Biden to sign the Respect for Marriage Act without delay. And we will continue to fight for full, lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people until the work is done.”
In July, the bill passed the U.S. House with massive bipartisan support in a vote of 267-157. If passed by the Senate, the legislation will require concurrence in the House before heading to the desk of President Biden, who is expected to sign the legislation.
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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.
