Congresswoman Tenney's Statement Following Her Vote on the Respect for Marriage Act

Statement

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) today made the following statement following her vote on the Respect for Marriage Act.

"I firmly believe that every marriage entered into between two consenting adults deserves to be honored, respected, and protected. Same-sex marriages sanctioned by the state should be recognized by the government and duly protected. Before today, following the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell, same-sex marriage was already recognized and protected. The Supreme Court indicated as recently as 2022, that this status is not under threat," said Congresswoman Tenney.

"Unfortunately, while this bill sought to codify aspects of the Obergefell decision, it did so by failing to include sufficiently explicit religious liberty protections. The private right of action included in this legislation is overly broad and could be abused by trial attorneys to target those with deeply held religious beliefs. Amendments that would have clarified and improved upon this language were sadly rejected. Americans with deeply held religious beliefs and faith-based organizations deserve legal certainty, and this bill fell short of providing them that. Free speech and the right to practice one's faith are fundamental rights guaranteed by the First Amendment."

"It is my view that the federal government should not be in the marriage business, to begin with. However, if it is going to be, then it should treat two consenting adults fairly, same-sex or otherwise. We should not marginalize same-sex couples or diminish their rights. My opposition to this legislation stems from the fundamental need for stronger protections for religious Americans so that the rights of all individuals acting in good faith are protected equally."

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