‘This ensures our rights’ Locals react to same-sex marriage bill signed into law
On Tuesday, President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law giving same-sex and interracial couples new federal protections.
The bipartisan legislation, which passed 258-169 with 39 Republican votes, requires states to recognize legal marriages regardless of “sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.”
It’s a sigh of relief for hundreds of thousands of couples nationwide, knowing that their marriages will be recognized in all states.
Although the Respect for Marriage Act does not require states to legalize same-sex marriage, several LGBTQ residents say this is a step in the right direction.
"I mean the acceptance is just like a different world, we don't have to hide anymore," Palm Springs resident Les Vollmert.
Vollmert and his husband, Paul Masse, have been together for 46 years. They tied the knot in 2013.
“We got together right after Stonewall and it was so restrictive. You still had to be very closeted, you could lose your job, lose your apartment, Vollmert said.
"It's revolutionized our life. Actually, you know, we don't have to, we don't go to bed in fear anymore,” Masse added.
They’ve seen a lot of progress made for the LGBTQ community since they first met in the 1970’s. They say the Respect for Marriage act is a historical decision that will pave the way for young same-sex couples.
“It's really important that there be a law to protect them because they may not feel they need to be as militant as our generation was. So having a federal law codified I think is really a protection for them," Vollmert explained.
The law requires states to honor out-of-state marriage licenses of those in same-sex and interracial unions.
“This ensures our rights in every 50 states. And I think that's a win, win for everybody," said Palm Springs resident Bobby Jordan.
It’s brought reassurance to the LGBTQ community nationwide who were worried about what would happen if same-sex marriages were overturned. It also brings a sense of protection, to love whoever they want.
“I hope that it keeps and protects everybody for you know, being able to be with who they want to be with, keep their children safe with both parents. And that's, I mean, you know, going in the right direction going forward instead of going backwards," said Palm Springs resident Joseph Ratliff.
Before heading to President Biden’s desk, the bill passed the House and the Senate with bipartisan support with 258 to 169 votes.
