Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2022

December 8, 2022

Today Congress took a critical step to ensure that Americans have the right to marry the person they love. The House's bipartisan passage of the Respect for Marriage Actâby a significant marginâwill give peace of mind to millions of LGBTQI+ and interracial couples who are now guaranteed the rights and protections to which they and their children are entitled.

After the uncertainty caused by the Supreme Court's *Dobbs *decision, Congress has restored a measure of security to millions of marriages and families. They have also provided hope and dignity to millions of young people across this country who can grow up knowing that their Government will recognize and respect the families they build.

I want to once again thank the unwavering champions of this legislation in Congressâ Representatives Nadler, Cicilline, and Davids in the House, and Senators Baldwin, Collins, Portman, Sinema, Tillis, and Feinstein in the Senateâwho refused to be deterred and brought this vital bill over the finish line. Together, we showed that it's possible for Democrats and Republicans to come together to safeguard our most fundamental rights.

On this day, Jill and I are thinking of the courageous couples and fiercely committed advocates who have fought for decades to secure nationwide marriage equality at the Supreme Court and in Congress. While we are one step closer on our long journey to build a more perfect Union, we must never stop fighting for full equality for LGBTQI+ Americans and all Americans.

NOTE: The statement referred to H.R. 8404.

Categories: Statements by the President : Respect for Marriage Act, Congressional passage.

Names: Baldwin, Tammy S.; Biden, Jill T.; Cicilline, David N.; Collins, Susan M.; Davids, Sharice L.; Feinstein, Dianne; Nadler, Jerrold L.; Portman, Robert J.; Sinema, Kyrsten L.; Tillis, Thomas R.

Subjects: Bipartisanship; Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, equality; Respect for Marriage Act; Same-sex marriage.

DCPD Number: DCPD202201104.

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