Respect for Marriage Act: An Important Step In Our Democracy

(WASHINGTON, DC) ––  Family Values @ Work is a movement network of grassroots coalitions in more than two dozen states working to win paid family and medical leave, earned sick and safe days, and affordable, high-quality childcare at the state and national levels.

No matter how we build our families – no matter our gender, race, sexuality, income, or ability – we should all be protected from stigma and discrimination. For decades, LGBTQIA+ people, people in interracial marriages, and civil rights advocates have had to fight for and defend the legitimacy of their marriages and their families – this fight didn’t end with the Supreme Court decisions of Obergefell in 2015 or Loving in 1967 as racist and homophobic ideologies continue to permeate our courts, legislative houses, churches, workplaces, doctor’s offices, and homes. But today, the House honored the generations of people who never stopped fighting for love when they passed the Respect for Marriage Act and ensured federal protections apply to all people’s marriages no matter where you live. The importance of this moment is not lost on all of us at Family Values @ Work (FV@W) and we celebrate with millions of families across the country and the world.

While this vote is an important step in our democracy living out its ideal of “liberty and the pursuit of happiness”, there is still much further to go to truly achieve justice. This bill doesn’t codify marriage equality into state law. In fact, states could still refuse to issue marriage licenses if the Supreme Court overturns Obergefell or Loving, and the constitutions of many states would do just that. Marriage and the protections it lends to children and families would become less accessible to all those who do not have the money, means, or paid time off work to travel across state lines for a marriage license.

FV@W is committed to winning gender, racial, and economic justice for all. The rights to same-sex and interracial marriage are a significant component of that pursuit. Only when people are invited, welcomed, and supported in living their lives authentically and freely, without judgment, discrimination, or fear of retaliation, will justice be realized. We commend Congress on taking this important step and look forward to President Biden signing it into law.

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