After delivering a powerful speech in a moving ceremony yesterday afternoon, President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage bill into law, ensuring federal rights for same-sex and interracial marriages. While the legislation does not require states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, it requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. And it mandates that all married couples receive equal federal benefits.
The signing ceremony took place before thousands of invited guests on the South Lawn of The White House under a crisp, blue sky. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi delivered moving speeches followed by live performances by Sam Smith and Cyndi Lauper.
Before the first and second couples approached the podium, the Bay State’s own Gina and Heidi Nortonsmith, plaintiffs in Goodrich v Dept. of Public Health, shared the story of their roles in the case that paved the way for Marriage Equality in Massachusetts. Vice President Harris then spoke movingly and introduced the President.
“Today’s a good day,” he proclaimed, “a day America takes a vital step toward equality, toward liberty and justice, not just for some but for everyone — everyone — toward creating a nation where decency, dignity and love are recognized, honored and protected.”
Janson Wu, executive director of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, shortly after sent out a public statement:
This is a joyful day. Millions of couples and their children across the country now have the assurance that their families will continue to be respected by our state and federal governments because President Biden has signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law. The effort to pass the Respect for Marriage Act spanned decades and involved the work of so many. The law’s passage this year demonstrates the strong and growing support for equality among Americans of all political parties and from all walks of life.
Nearly 20 years ago Gina and Heidi Nortonsmith, together with other courageous couples, first won the freedom to marry in GLAD’s Massachusetts Goodridge case. It was wonderful to see them at the White House today as Congress and the President affirmed our nation’s commitment to the freedom to marry the person you love and have your family respected and protected, regardless of race or sex. Today is truly a celebration of love, equality and dignity for families like Heidi and Gina’s, and for all our families.
We are grateful to President Biden and Vice President Harris, to the Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle who came together to pass this law, and to the millions of people across the country who have fought for decades to get us here. Let us take the joy and energy from this celebration to continue the work for full freedom, safety, and justice for all people.
Not a subscriber? Sign up today for a free subscription to Boston Spirit magazine, New England’s premier LGBT magazine. We will send you a copy of Boston Spirit 6 times per year and we never sell/rent our subscriber information. Click HERE to sign up!
