Larsen Votes to Protect Marriage Equality

Press Release

Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted for the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act, legislation to enshrine marriage equality into federal law. The Respect for Marriage Act repeals the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a discriminatory federal law that excludes same-sex couples from marriage. The Respect for Marriage Act passed the House of Representatives by a final vote of 267 to 157 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

"Marriage is a civil right, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity or national origin," said Larsen. "I am proud to be from Washington state, which has led the way in extending marriage rights for all. Now, the Respect for Marriage Act will enshrine this right for Washingtonians and prohibit officials in other states from discriminating against same-sex and interracial couples."

The Respect for Marriage Act includes several provisions to protect marriage equality:

Enshrining Marriage Equality into Federal Law: This legislation will require the federal government to fully recognize any marriage considered valid in the state where it was performed -- providing same-sex and interracial couples additional certainty that they will continue to receive equal treatment under federal law.
Repealing the Defense of Marriage Act: While the Supreme Court has effectively voided the Defense of Marriage Act, the Respect for Marriage Act would officially repeal this discriminatory law.
Barring Discrimination by State Officials: The Respect for Marriage Act prohibits state officials from denying recognition of an out-of-state marriage based on sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.

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