A VICTORY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Yesterday produced a milestone in the long and hard struggle for human rights. The United States Senate passed a bill entitled The Respect for Marriage Act. The act will give federal guarantees for same-sex marriage and interracial marriage. In its 2015 decision, Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment meant that states had to grant and recognize same-sex marriages. The new bill would federally codify and protect this. 

Reflecting the sharp swing in recent public attitudes to same-sex marriage, the vote was not close. It was 61 for and 36 against. Unsurprisingly, both South Carolina senators voted against. A dozen Republicans joined the Democrats to carry the bill over the line. The Senate has 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans.

Perhaps the most remarkable of the Republican Senators to support the bill was Romney of Utah. In fact, in the run-up to the vote, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had very publicly endorsed the bill. At long last, an institution that had invested so much of itself for so long in opposing gay rights came around to support same-sex marriage. Who says people cannot see the light and change their minds? The Mormons are showing the way.

Next, the bill will go to the House of Representatives where it is expected to pass. After that, it will head to the president's desk for signing. Pres. Biden has already said he will sign immediately.

The significance of this should not be missed. The great democratic revolution is on the move and is scoring major victories against the reactionary counter-revolutionaries. To be sure, the war is not over. Just look at the news from Colorado a few days ago. Discrimination, hate, and violence are still there but they cannot stop the rising tide of freedom, equality and justice. For those who love democracy and human rights, today is a day for rejoicing.

HERE is an article giving more info on this.