What the Respect for Marriage Act means for LGBTQ, interracial families

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

52% : The Respect for Marriage Act grants federal protection to same-sex and interracial couples, requiring that people be considered married in any state as long as the marriage is valid in the state where it was performed.
50% : But the Respect for Marriage Act has instilled relief in Marissa and Zaira, just as the Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage did.
49% : In 2008, when the door to same-sex marriage once again opened in the state, they got married - and then Proposition 8 went into effect, closing that door.
49% : They were one of the first couples in Wheeling, W.Va., to be married after the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal.
46% : They're somewhat relieved by the extra security it provides in the event Obergefell v. Hodges, the historic 2015 Supreme Court decision requiring that same-sex couples be allowed to marry no matter where they live, is ever challenged.
45% : The Houston couple is grateful for the Respect for Marriage Act, but also recognizes that in a state like Texas, which has a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage that is currently not enforceable, "the law doesn't always dictate what social rules are and how people act," Joshlynn said.
44% : The issue became a legislative priority after the Supreme Court in June ended the constitutional right to abortion after nearly 50 years, at which time Justice Clarence Thomas said the court should also reexamine cases that set precedent on LGBT rights.
43% : They're still worried for their queer Black and trans friends in states that aren't as accepting of same-sex marriage, and they're hoping future legislation can go beyond the "two-tiered system" now in place.
41% : Jonathan recalls telling friends years ago that same-sex marriage would never be legal in the United States.
37% : Amber explained that she panicked when they heard discussions that a Supreme Court decision protecting same-sex marriage might be challenged.
34% :"It's kind of like two Supreme Court decisions are weighing on our entire life," said Gorena, referring to decisions that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015 and blocked an attempt to end DACA in 2020.

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