SPLC Action Fund Applauds House Vote to Protect Marriage Equality; Urges Senate to Quickly Approve the Bill

WASHINGTON – Today, the House voted 267-157 to approve HR 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act, repealing the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA.) This legislation, which received overwhelming, bipartisan support, would safeguard marriage equality and provide additional legal protections for married same-sex and interracial couples.

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

“The SPLC Action Fund applauds the House of Representatives for quickly beginning the process of codifying same-sex and interracial marriage while strengthening marriage-equality protections. Justice Clarence Thomas’ shocking concurrence to the appalling late June Dobbs Supreme Court decision, overruling almost 50 years of constitutional protection for abortion and reproductive freedom, demanded immediate attention. Repealing DOMA and providing couples in same-sex and interracial marriages the same legal protections that other couples enjoy is an essential step towards ensuring those threats are never realized.

“By taking the initiative to protect these unions, the House has acted to prevent another premeditated attempt to roll back basic rights. Swift Senate passage of this bill is needed to reaffirm that the right to marry the person you love is protected for all.

“The SPLC Action Fund calls on the Senate to quickly pass the Respect for Marriage Act to ensure inclusivity and safeguard marital equality for all Americans.”

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