“This law and the love it stands for strikes at hate in all its forms,” Biden said before signing the Respect for Marriage Act. This is a landmark law that will protect same-sex marriage at the federal level., but more generally any type of marriage that has been legally registered in a country. The law was proposed by the Democrats, but then it was supported by some representatives of the Republicans. In recent months, it has already been approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, lacking only the president’s signature.
The signing ceremony took place on the South Lawn of the White House and was a real celebration, with guests waving rainbow flags and a gay choir from Washington, DC, Sam Smith and Cyndi Lauper performing. Biden signed off to applause, laughter and tears of tenderness in a joyful atmosphere and talked about a step forward towards building a nation that “recognizes, honors and defends decency, dignity and love.” “Racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, transphobia, they are all connected,” he said. “But the antidote to hate is love”. Biden added that for him, “marriage is easy.” You must ask yourself clear questions: “Who do you love? And will you be faithful to the person you love? It couldn’t be more difficult,” she added.
The president also acknowledged the concerns that prompted Congress to act by passing the Respect for Marriage Act. in response to the latest Supreme Court ruling on abortion and disturbing episodes of anti-LGBTQ+ violence, such as the recent Colorado Springs massacre in which five people were killed at a gay club. Prior to the passage of this law, same-sex marriage in the country was already protected by a 2015 Supreme Court ruling that made all laws prohibiting it unconstitutional at the state level. However, there will now be an additional legal guarantee that will apply even if the Court changes its position.
Source: Elle