Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, H.R. 8404, to enshrine marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples in federal law, repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and provide legal protections for marriage equality.  Congresswoman Fletcher is a co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act.

“Today, the House of Representatives voted to protect families in Houston and across the country by guaranteeing the right to marry for same-sex and interracial couples,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “In Houston, we celebrate our diverse families and we also know that, in this moment, we must do all we can to protect them.  I’m proud to be a co-sponsor of this important legislation and vote again to enshrine and protect marriage equality—and to protect the people I represent.”

The effort to pass federal legislation comes after a concurring opinion by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization explicitly called on the Supreme Court to reconsider its decisions protecting other fundamental rights, including the right to same-sex marriage recognized in Obergefell v. Hodges. If enacted, the Respect for Marriage Act would:

• Enshrine marriage equality for federal law purposes, giving same-sex and interracial couples additional security that they will continue to enjoy equal treatment under federal law as all other married couples;
• Repeal DOMA, which, despite the Supreme Court’s previous decisions holding marriage equality as a constitutional right, still remains law; and
• Provide additional legal tools for individuals to protect their right to marriage equality, including providing the U.S. Attorney General with the authority to pursue enforcement actions and create a way for individuals to sue when their rights are violated. 

In July, Congresswoman Fletcher voted for H.R. 8404 when it passed the House for the first time.  The Senate amended the bill and returned it to the House for final passage.  It now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.