Majority Whip Clyburn Statement Following Passage of the Respect for Marriage Act

Press Release

Today, U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn released the following statement marking Senate and House passage of the Senate amendment to H.R. 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act:

"In a concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the case that overturned Roe v. Wade, Justice Thomas advocated for the reconsideration of the case protecting same-sex marriage. By his logic, interracial marriage would be left unprotected as well. In passing the Respect for Marriage Act, the House and Senate have joined together to protect the right of same-sex and interracial couples to have their marriages recognized nationwide, ensuring this nation honors her promise of "liberty and justice for all.'

"This landmark legislation will also repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. This provision provides certainty that the federal government will continue to recognize same-sex married couples' claims for insurance benefits for government employees, social security survivors' benefits, immigration, and more.

"Every American deserves the same guaranteed federal protections no matter who they are or who they marry. Today, we made our position clear: we will not allow unelected right-wing Justices to strip Americans of their established right to love without fear."

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