There are legislators that need guidance in deciding some issues. The LGBT community is a minority community in the USA. They need other Americans to join them in affirming the right of marriage to their partners. This civil right no longer has to be debated because there is a significant history of couples wanting to be married for their security and well being.
Marriage elevates a partner in life to husband and/or wife. There is a great deal of security in that including being able to attend to an ill married partner. There are enormous legal reasons for marriage to have a broader definition as to whom is married and protected by law in the USA.
The opposition of these civil rights only seek to cause harm to individual Americans by making marriage an exclusive club for heterosexuals engaging in having and supporting a family. That level of hatred of "the other" is dangerous and irresponsible of a democracy.
Every relationship that lasts and is full of love needs protecting under the law. The Senate bill is important and should be passed without debate or question. The fact the Republicans will demand 60 votes for passage is a form of hatred and political pandering to those that see marriage as an exclusive club defined by religious prejudice.
By Amy B Wang
The Senate on Wednesday (click here) advanced the Respect for Marriage Act, which would enshrine marriage equality into federal law, clearing the way for the bill’s final passage in the chamber this week.
In a 62-to-37 vote, senators agreed to end debate on the bill and advance it. Twelve Republicans joined all 50 members of the Democratic caucus to vote in support of the bill, surpassing the 60 votes needed to avoid a filibuster.
Democrats have warned since June that federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages, as well as other rights, could be at risk after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which for nearly 50 years had guaranteed the right to an abortion in the United States.
“Today, the Senate is taking a truly bold step forward in the march towards greater justice, greater equality, by advancing the Respect for Marriage Act,” Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said before the vote Wednesday. “It’s a simple, narrowly tailored, but exceedingly important piece of legislation that will do so much good for so many Americans. It will make our country a better, fairer place to live.”...
