Senate passes legislation to protect same-sex marriage nationwide

On Tuesday, November 29, the US Senate voted on legislation to protect same-sex marriage across the United States. The text, adopted amid fears that the Supreme Court would overturn the issue, was approved by 61 votes to 36.

“America is reaffirming a fundamental truth: love is love and Americans should marry the person they love.”US President Joe Biden responded in a statement.

The House of Representatives already vetted a similar text in July, supported by all Democrats and 47 Republicans. A vote will be held next week on the amended law to harmonize the two texts, which should only be a formality. Once passed by the lower house of Congress, the new law will land on Joe Biden’s desk for signature. “quickly”.

“After months of hard work, after many cross-party negotiations, after many doubts, we are taking a decisive step toward greater justice for Americans in the LGBTQ community.”Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer applauded.

“Historical Turning Point”

Same-sex unions have been guaranteed by the US Supreme Court since 2015. But after the Supreme Court’s historic reversal on abortion, many progressives fear that right could be stripped away, too. A majority of Americans support same-sex marriage, including Republicans. But the religious right often opposes it.

In concrete terms, the law repeals a previous law that defined marriage as between a man and a woman and prevents civil registrars — regardless of the state in which they work — from discriminating against couples. “because of their sex, race, ethnicity or origin”. This text also applies to interracial couples.

“Today’s vote has very personal implications for many of us in this room.”Chuck Schumer wore the tie he wore to his daughter and girlfriend’s wedding.

The ACLU, the powerful association for the defense of civil rights, welcomed to its role, Tuesday evening, a “Historical Turning Point” For the rights of LGBT+ families, many states across the country have condemned the growing number of anti-transgender rights laws. “While we applaud the historic vote on this measure, members of Congress must fight as if transgender people’s lives depend on their efforts, because it does.”The organization said in a statement.