Biden signs same-sex and interracial marriage act into law
US President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law during a joyous ceremony where Cyndi Lauper performed “True Colors” in front of tens of thousands of supporters on the White House lawn.
The new law recognizes same-sex marriages at the federal level, a measure inspired by the possibility that the Supreme Court could rescind its legal backing for such relationships.
The crowd exploded in applause as Biden signed the law.
“Today is a good day,” Biden said as he took the podium after Vice President Kamala Harris. “A day America takes a vital step toward equality, liberty and justice — not just for some, but for everyone. Toward creating a nation where decency, dignity and love are recognized, honoured and protected.”
As Biden finished signing the law to cheers from the crowd, Lady Gaga’s pro-LGBTQ+ song “Born This Way” began to play.
Lauper and Sam Smith were among the artists who performed during the event.
Before beginning to sing, Lauper said, “Well, this time, love wins.”
Lauper founded the True Colors Fund, a nonprofit that educates people on LGBTQ+ issues and helps to end homelessness for LGBTQ youth.
“We can rest easily tonight because our families are validated and because now we’re free to love who we love,” Lauper told reporters in the White House briefing room ahead of her performance.
The Respect for Marriage Act was enacted with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress following months of deliberation, notably over religious components. Last Thursday, the House voted 258-169 to send the bill to Biden’s desk after the Senate cleared it 61-36. In both votes, a minority of Republicans joined Democrats.
The landmark legislation protects same-sex and interracial marriages, prohibiting federal and state governments from denying the validity of a lawfully performed union on the basis of sex, race or ethnicity. The law also repeals the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (Doma), which defined marriage as the union between a man and a woman and denied federal benefits to same-sex couples. Though the supreme court struck down part of the law, it remained on the books.