SPLC Action Fund Applauds House Passage of Respect for Marriage Act

WASHINGTON – Today, the House voted 258-169 to approve HR 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act, repealing the discriminatory 1996 Defense of Marriage Act and providing federal protection for same-sex and interracial marriages. The legislation now moves forward for President Biden’s signature.

The following statement is from Scott McCoy, SPLC Action Fund interim deputy legal director, LGBTQ+ Rights & Special Litigation:

“Today is another step forward in the fight for equality for both same-sex and interracial marriage.

“The SPLC Action Fund applauds the strong bipartisan majority in the House for safeguarding equal federal recognition and protection for same-sex and interracial couples that all other married couples enjoy. Passing the Respect for Marriage Act also preserves the Obergefell and Loving decisions, which sends a message of inclusion and tolerance.

“We look forward to President Biden quickly signing this legislation, which will finally allow all Americans to marry the person they love regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender or fear of discrimination.”