Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, D-NV, left, and Jacky Rosen D-NV, right, talk during the launch of the 100-megawatt MGM Resorts Mega Solar Array Monday, June 28, 2021. The solar array facility will produce up to 90 percent of MGM Resorts Las Vegas daytime power.
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022 | 4:31 p.m.
Nevada’s two Democratic U.S. Senators on Tuesday voted in favor of a bill that would recognize federally any marriage that is valid under state law, helping the measure pass Congress’ upper chamber; it will now go back to the U.S. House where it is expected to pass.
The Respect for Marriage Act was passed with bipartisan support, with 61 Senators voting in favor and 36 voting no. All of the Senate’s 50 Democrats voted for the bill, with 11 Republicans joining in.
“All Nevadans and all Americans deserve to be able to marry who they love,” Nevada U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen said in a release.
“While marriage equality became the law of the land nearly a decade ago, it’s clear we cannot rely on Supreme Court precedent alone to protect these rights and freedoms. I’m proud to have voted to pass the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act so that all marriages can be respected and protected under federal law.”
The bill was introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision overturning the precedent set in the 1973 landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade, which gave women the constitutional right to access abortion.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who earlier this month narrowly won a bid for reelection to a second term, said in a social media post that she voted to pass the Respect for Marriage Act as well.
“I will always stand up for every American’s right to be who they are and marry who they love,” she said in a Tweet.
The move also received acclaim from community members like Andre Wade, executive director of Silver State Equality, a LGBTQ+ civil right organization based in Nevada. In a statement, Wade said the bill’s passage marked a “history-making” victory but urged lawmakers in the House to move along the legislation “without delay” so it can be signed into law by President Joe Biden.
“The Respect for Marriage Act is an essential piece of legislation that affirms that every marriage and every family is valid and deserving of respect,” Wade said in a statement. “Today’s strong bipartisan vote of 61-36 is an incredible victory that cannot be taken lightly.
“While this vote and victory are history-making, we must continue to address the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Silver State Equality will continue to protect transgender youth, advocate for lifesaving gender-affirming care, and will not tolerate anti-LGBTQ+ attacks.”
In the high court’s majority opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas said the court would possibly look at the legality of other landmark rulings, such as a 2015 case affectively legalizing same-sex marriage, or other cases concerning interracial marriage. That subsequently prompted progressive lawmakers to take action to codify same-sex marriage at the federal level.
In July, the bill passed the House by a 267-157 margin and wide bipartisan support. The bill, however, must go back to the House to vote on amendments made by the Senate, Should it pass, it would head to Biden’s desk where he is expected to sign the measure into law.
