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The U.S. Senate has shown support for an amended version of the Respect for Marriage Act, which aims to provide federal protections for both same-sex marriages and religious freedom. The Senate voted 62-37 to end debate and consider the bill, with a final vote expected soon. If passed, the revised act will proceed to a new vote in the House, which previously passed the original version of the bill in July.
Utah's senators had differing opinions on the matter. Senator Mitt Romney, a Republican, was one of 12 Republicans who voted in favor of the amended measure, while Senator Mike Lee, also a Republican, voted against it.
The Respect for Marriage Act seeks to repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as between a man and a woman, a definition previously struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. It would ensure federal recognition of same-sex marriages that take place in states where they are legal. Importantly, the bill would not require states to allow same-sex couples to marry, but it would repeal and replace provisions of federal law that do not require states to recognize same-sex marriages from other states.
The revised Senate version of the Respect for Marriage Act addresses concerns by explicitly protecting people of faith and faith-based nonprofits. A bipartisan group of senators suggested amendments to ensure that religious organizations would not lose tax-exempt status or other benefits for refusing to recognize same-sex marriages or provide services for their celebration.
This legislation represents a compromise that aims to balance the civil rights of LGBTQ individuals with principles of religious liberty and diversity. Faith groups have expressed varying opinions on the effectiveness of the religious liberty amendments, with some supporting the approach as a way to heal relationships and foster greater understanding.
The Senate's support for this amended version of the Respect for Marriage Act is seen as a rare and notable moment of bipartisanship in a politically divided climate. It comes as Republicans prepare to take control of the House in the next Congress, while Democrats retain control of the Senate, setting the stage for potential legislative challenges in the future.
