The Respect for Marriage Act reached the president's desk for his signature in a historic moment that codifies the rights to marry a partner regardless of sex or race. It passed the House of Representatives on Thursday by a 258-169 vote.

The Senate approved the bill 61-36. Now that the act is signed into law, it will require the federal government and all state governments to recognize
marriages that were lawfully entered into in a state in which they are legal. It also solidifies protections for interracial couples nationwide.

"While we are one step closer on our long journey to build a more perfect union, we must never stop fighting for full equality for LGBTQI+ Americans and all Americans," Biden said. The bill repeals the Defense of Marriage Act, which was passed in 1996. That act recognized marriage as "only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife" and defines a spouse only as a person "of the opposite sex."

"Today is a historic day. A day for jubilation," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. "By enacting this law we are sending a message to LGBTQ Americans everywhere. You too deserve dignity. You too deserve equality. That's about as an American ideal as they come."

Source: President Joe Biden to sign Respect for Marriage Act (msn.com)

Send a Thank You to President Biden

The Victory Institute is sending a thank you card to President Biden and the pro-equality members of the U.S. Congress for their hard work to protect marriage equality. Add your name and let them know you’re proud to see this bill signed into law today: Click here