- Dozens of Republicans join Democrats to pass bill to boost legal protections for same-sex marriages.
- Critics say move is a gimmick to force Republicans on the record ahead of midterms.
- Respect for Marriage Act passes House by 267-157 vote, with 47 Republicans joining all Democrats.
In order to approve a bill that would strengthen legal protections for same-sex weddings; dozens of Republicans have joined forces with Democrats in the US House of Representatives.
While Republicans have criticised the law as a gimmick; Democrats have claimed that the US Supreme Court may reverse the rights; to homosexual marriage.
In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States approved same-sex unions nationwide.
However, it overturned a long-standing constitutional right to abortion last month.
The Respect for Marriage Act’s chances appear less likely amid the Senate’s tight margins.
After Republican leaders permitted party members to vote their conscience, 47 Republicans joined all Democrats; in supporting the legislation on Tuesday by a vote of 267-157.
On a subject that has long been a litmus test for social conservatives’ commitment to political purity; more than three quarters of House Republicans rejected the bill.
With midterm elections in November approaching, critics argued that the vote was a Democratic trap; to drive Republicans into the public eye.
Jim Jordan, an Ohio congressman, stated: “We are here for a political spectacle.”
Republican number three in the House Elise Stefanik voted in favour; while Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Whip Steve Scalise abstained.
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Rep. Liz Cheney, whose prior opposition to same-sex marriage had strained her relationship; with her homosexual sister, also voted yes.
Additionally, the law would offer interracial marriages legal protections.
Democrats introduced the initiative after the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which had established a constitutional right to abortion; was overturned by the conservative Supreme Court majority in June.
In his concurring opinion last month, conservative Justice Clarence Thomas said; that prior decisions on issues like same-sex marriage and contraception should be in evaluation again.
However, another conservative judge, Justice Samuel Alito, stated in his conclusion that “this case involves; the constitutional right to abortion and no other right.”
The fact that Justice Thomas is a black man; who is married to a white woman has been used by Republicans; to mock Democratic assertions that interracial marriage may now be in danger.
Democrats’ leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, stated on Tuesday: “This is a Maga Supreme Court. Let’s face it: a Maga Supreme Court with extreme right-wing views.” The abbreviation “MAGA” stands for “Make America Great Again”. This is a campaign theme by the previous President Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
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