President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act on December 13, 2022, which protects the right for same-sex and interracial couples to marry federally in the United States.
The new bill prohibits states from denying the validity of out-of-state marriages based on sex, race, or ethnicity, and officially repeals the Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as between a man and a woman. This bill was considered unconstitutional by the Supreme Court with the Obergefell v. Hodges case in 2015, but the new law ensures that the right to marriage is protected for all in the United States.
A joyous celebration was held at the White House with a crowd of 5,300 people on the South Lawn for the signing. Attendees included members of Congress, as well as prominent members of the LGBTQIA+ community, such as Pete and Chasten Buttigieg, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and survivors of the Club Q shooting. The event featured performances by Cyndi Lauper and Sam Smith, and the White House was lit up with rainbow-colored lights.
“My fellow Americans, the road to this moment has been long, but those who believe in equality and justice, you never gave up,” said President Biden. "We got it done. We’re going to continue the work ahead. I promise you.”
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also spoke at the signing. "The tie I am wearing reminds me what this moment is all about," he said. "It's the tie I wore on the day my daughter got married to a beautiful young lady, one of the happiest days of my life. Today, she and her wife are expecting their first child next spring, my third grandchild. And I want them to raise their child with all the love and security that every kid deserves. And thanks to the millions out there who spent years pushing for change and thanks to the dogged work of my colleagues, my grandchild will get to live in a world that respects and honors their mother's marriage."
The signing of the Respect for Marriage Act is a historic moment that ensures the right to marry for all in the United States. The celebration at the White House was a joyous occasion, attended by many members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. At Happy Everyday Designs, we hope to be allies with people of all walks and life. We aim to promote inclusivity in all things we do and will never deny what you want on your custom jean jacket.
