Democratic Mayors Association Statement on the Passage of the Landmark Respect for Marriage Act in the U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Respect for Marriage Act, which codifies federal protection for marriages of same-sex and interracial couples. Praising the House’s action, Democratic Mayors Association leaders, Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria issued the following statements regarding its passage: 

“Today’s passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in the House is a pivotal moment for our nation and reaffirms the fundamental right to marry the person you love. This landmark legislation enshrines marriage equality into federal law and grants needed protections for LGBTQ+ and interracial couples and their families. It also allows our cities to remain as havens of inclusiveness. Democratic Mayors firmly believe every American deserves to love who they love without fear of discrimination. We thank our members of Congress for supporting this significant legislation and look forward to President Biden signing it into law,” said Mayor Levar Stoney.

“I want to thank Congress for finally passing the Respect For Marriage Act and codifying rights for LGBTQ+ people. My Senator, Tammy Baldwin, has been a consistent champion for this law and deserves a lot of credit for getting us to today. Today is a good day for our community and our country,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway.

 “Today’s passage of the Respect for Marriage Act is a triumph of advocacy, persistence and the human will to live and love authentically. I thank Congress for taking action to enshrine into law Americans’ right to same-sex marriage and look forward to seeing President Biden sign this bill. Thank you to our activists and elected leaders who have continually fought for the rights of LGBTQ people. We are a better nation because of their courage and hard work,” said Mayor Todd Gloria.

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