Trahan Votes to Codify Same-Sex and Interracial Marriage

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) voted to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, a bipartisan bill to protect marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples. Consideration of the legislation came just weeks after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe, the justification of which has jeopardized these rights.

"Right wing Republicans are not content with the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. They're plotting nationwide abortion bans, and some GOP-controlled states are even looking to challenge marriage equality," said Congresswoman Trahan. "Today's vote sends the message that we will not stand by while extremists try to roll back even more rights aimed at tearing families apart. The Senate should vote immediately to do the same."

The Respect for Marriage Act enshrines marriage equality for federal law purposes, repeals the Discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, and provides additional legal protections from individuals seeking to undermine marriage equality while acting under the color of state law. While marriage equality remains constitutionally protected, Justice Clarence Thomas's concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health explicitly called on the Supreme Court to reconsider decisions protecting other fundamental rights, including marriage equality. The right to same-sex and interracial marriage is now vulnerable to legal challenge, which is why the House took up and passed the legislation today.

Trahan has been a strong proponent of legislative action to support LGBTQ+ equality. She is a proud member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, and has voted in favor of the Equality Act and Do No Harm Act. In 2019, she voted to defend our brave transgender service members from the Trump Administration's discriminatory, and self-defeating ban on their military service.

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