Rep. Barry Moore opposes federal mandate on states on same-sex marriage

Press Release

Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02) released the following statement after voting against the deceivingly titled Respect for Marriage Act, a Democrat political messaging bill that repeals the Defense of Marriage Act, a law already struck down by the Supreme Court via Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.

"With inflation at a 41-year high, a new record for border crossings set in June at over 191,000, and violent crime plaguing the country, it is outrageous that Democrats are focused on unnecessary legislation that repeals a law struck down by the courts years ago," said Moore. "Despite mischaracterizations Democrats are using to justify their urgency, the Supreme Court made it clear in Dobbs that their decision should not be used to cast doubt on precedents that have nothing to do with abortion.

"Our nation has real problems, and Americans have placed their trust in us to act for them. Instead of placing symbolism over substance and using fearmongering to try to boost their chances in November, Democrats must address their policy failures that are hurting hard-working Americans."

When the Defense of Marriage Act was passed back in 1996, 151 Democrats voted for it, including President Joe Biden, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

The Supreme Court's 2015 decision in Obergefell recognized a legal right to same-sex marriage and gave those marriages legal rights in every state. The Supreme Court majority in Dobbs made clear that its holding did not cast doubt or put into question any of its precedents, including Obergefell and the right to same-sex marriage.

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