Quigley Celebrates the Passage of the Respect for Marriage Act

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Vice-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, released the following statement celebrating the passage of H.R. 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act. The Respect for Marriage Act repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, protects marriage equality for federal purposes, and provides additional protections at the state level:

"As an early champion of marriage equality and full and complete LGBTQ+ rights, I applaud the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act. This legislation will go a long way in protecting the safeguards formerly established by the Supreme Court - constitutional rights enjoyed by millions of LGBT citizens and that reflect the core values held dear by the vast majority of Americans. No person should be told who they can or cannot marry based on sex, gender identity, or race. As we witness continued attacks against the LGBTQ community, we must do everything in our power to protect the community and their hard-won rights and stop those intent on destroying and devaluing these loving relationships.

"I am proud that today's vote protects Americans' right to marry who they love. The members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to enrich the fabric of the American soul, and I will not rest until my fellow citizens are completely and fully protected from such bigotry and hate."