WASHINGTON (WABNEWS).- The United States Congress on Thursday approved a bill that would protect same-sex marriage at the federal level and protect against discrimination if the Supreme Court decides to revoke that right.
After the Senate handed down a similar ruling on November 29 by 61 votes in favor and 36 against, the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives confirmed it by 258 to 169 votes.
The bill is currently scheduled to go into effect pending ratification by President Joe Biden.
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This law encourages the federal government to allow same-sex marriages if same-sex marriage is legal in the state in which they were married. The same principle applies to interracial weddings.
The text also recognizes religious freedom, avoiding the possibility that religious institutions such as churches may be forced to celebrate these weddings, and lose their privileges and tax exemptions for not doing so.
This last point is part of an amendment introduced through a bipartisan agreement in the Senate, which must return to the House for a final vote after the House had already approved it with 267 votes in favor in July. It meant that you had to 157 against.
The bill also nullifies the Defense of Marriage Act passed in 1996, which is defined as a union between a man and a woman.
insurance against discrimination
Same-sex marriage has been legalized in the United States since June 2015, when the Supreme Court passed legislation banning same-sex marriage in some states.
But mobilizations to defend these unions recently gained momentum after the Supreme Court, now controlled by a conservative majority, annulled the “Roe v. Wade” ruling in June. Country.
Numerous activists and progressive politicians have since warned that courts could take similar action on other rights, such as same-sex marriage, and return power to states to decide whether to allow them. I’ve been
The bill does not establish gay marriage as a federal right with nationwide application, but if the Supreme Court were to revoke that doctrine, states where gay marriage is no longer permitted would can prevent discrimination against gay couples married in other states.
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi acknowledged on Thursday that this fundamental right is under “real, direct and urgent threats” and said approval of a rule to protect it would be “a glorious victory for love.” and for the liberty and dignity of all.”
