Same-sex marriage bill passes US Senate

The US Senate passed bipartisan legislation on Tuesday to protect same-sex marriages, a sign of shifting national politics on the issue. The bill, which would ensure that same-sex and interracial marriages are enshrined in federal law, was approved 61-36 on Tuesday, including support from 12 Republicans. President Joe Biden, in a statement, praised the Senate vote on the measure. Once the House approves it, he said, “I will promptly sign it into law.”

The Senate passed legislation to enshrine federal protection for same-sex marriages with a bipartisan vote that dramatically demonstrates the massive cultural shift in the US on the issue.

The 61-36 vote on Tuesday was a victory for Democrats who’ve raised concerns that the conservative-leaning Supreme Court could overturn a 2015 ruling that established the right to same-sex marriage.

“It’s a scary but necessary acknowledgment that despite all the progress we made,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. ”

The bill, named the Respect for Marriage Act, passed with 12 Republicans joining all Democrats present in support.

The bill heads back to the House, where it’s expected to pass, because the Senate amended the legislation to provide religious liberty protections to meet demands from Republicans. The House passed an earlier version on a 267-157 bipartisan vote.

President Joe Biden, in a statement, praised the Senate vote on the measure. Once the House approves it, he said, “I will promptly sign it into law.”

If the Supreme Court overturns its decision in Obergefell v Hodges, the legislation would give federal recognition to same-sex marriages, but it wouldn’t require states to issue same-sex marriage licenses.

However, states would be obligated to recognise marriage licenses issued in another state where those unions are legal regardless of sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.

It also affirms federal protections and benefits to interracial couples.