Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after the House passed the Respect for Marriage Act. This bill ensures that the federal government recognizes all marriages—including same-sex and interracial unions—and that no state can discriminate against a couple legally married in another state. It also repeals the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

“People deserve to be able to marry whomever they wish irrespective of gender or sex. If they chose to commit to one another legally and build their lives together, government should recognize their union,” said Rep. Frankel. “This bill is a step in the right direction toward protecting the rights of all married couples nationwide. States that still do not recognize same sex marriage should follow this path.”

The DOMA banned federal recognition of same-sex marriage by limiting the definition of marriage to the union of one man and one woman. It further allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages granted under the laws of other states. This law was ruled unconstitutional or legally void by Supreme Court decisions in the cases of United States v. Windsor (2013) and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which invalidated the law and any enforcement it had. However, the Supreme Court’s reasoning in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to overturn the right to abortion raises concerns that other fundamental rights, including the right to marriage equality, could be at risk.

This bill will ensure that married same-sex and interracial couples in every state have the same rights and freedoms as every other married couple.

The bill passed by a vote of 258-169 after previously passing in the Senate. It now heads to President Biden for his signature.

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