Padilla Statement on Voting to Advance Marriage Equality Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the bipartisan vote to advance the Respect for Marriage Act in the Senate. Padilla is a cosponsor of the legislation. The bill would require the federal government to recognize a marriage between two individuals if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed and guarantee that valid marriages between two individuals are given full faith and credit, regardless of the couple’s sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. The legislation was advanced in the Senate by a vote of 62-37.
“Something as important as the fundamental freedom to marry cannot be left to the whims of an extreme, far-right Supreme Court. Today was a historic day for the advancement and preservation of basic civil rights for all Americans. By passing the Respect for Marriage Act, we are affirming to millions of LGBTQ Americans and interracial couples that they are equal under law.
“Over the last two months, Senate Democrats, led by Senator Baldwin, have made bipartisan strides towards an agreement on this legislation, and I thank our colleagues who joined us in voting to protect this fundamental right.”
Senator Padilla is committed to pursuing equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Earlier this year, Padilla introduced the LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act, legislation that would protect the 1.4 million LGBTQ-owned businesses in the nation from lending discrimination to ensure equal access to economic opportunities. Padilla also joined Senate Democrats in introducing a resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month to highlight the work of the LGBTQ community in fighting to achieve full equality, including for marriage.
Full text of the bill is available here.
###