Senate passes bill to protect same-sex marriages

https://www.npr.org/2022/11/29/ [login to see] /same-sex-marriages-bill-senate-vote
With bipartisan support and a 61-36 vote, the Senate passed the Respect for Marriage Act, which codifies same-sex and interracial marriages.

Lawmakers moved forward with the vote Tuesday after securing essential Republican support during a procedural vote a day earlier.

It now heads back to the House where it is expected to be passed quickly and sent to the president's desk to be signed into law.

"By passing the bill, the Senate is sending a message that every senator needs to hear," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., ahead of the vote. "No matter who you are, or who you love, you too deserve dignity and equal treatment under the law."

The bill would require that all states recognize same-sex and interracial marriages performed in any other state. It would not require that states individually allow these marriages to be performed. The measure also would recognize these marriages for consideration of federal benefits such as Medicare and Social Security.