TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Dec 8, 2022

A bill to codify recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages today cleared the U.S. House, the Associated Press reports. The measure will require all states to recognize same-sex marriages and will also protect interracial unions by requiring states to recognize legal marriages regardless of “sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.” The legislation, known as the Respect for Marriage Act, passed through the House on a 258-169 vote. Despite bipartisan support, the Nashville Post reports Tennessee Republicans, including new U.S. Reps. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, and John Rose, R-Crossville, voted against the measure. It was approved by the Senate last week after months of negotiations. President Joe Biden said he will promptly sign the measure.