As Biden signs Respect for Marriage Act into law, Dem-NPL Legislators react

Today, President Biden signed the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act into law. This law builds on generations of civil rights advocacy to bring stability and security to millions of LGBTQ+ and interracial couples who will finally be guaranteed the rights and protections to which they and their children are entitled. Biden also emphasized that more work remains to protect LGBTQ+ individuals across the country, including by passing the Equality Act.

ND House Minority Leader Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) said, “It is great to see the bipartisan support for the Respect for Marriage Act which will ensure that North Dakotans who are in same-sex or interracial marriages are guaranteed the same rights and responsibilities of marriage as their family, friends and neighbors. Today is truly a milestone day for North Dakota and our nation as we strengthen our communities by ensuring everyone has the opportunity to work towards their American dream.”

Sen. Ryan Braunberger (D-Fargo) noted, “The Respect for Marriage Act is a step in the right direction to respect those who have married, however, it does not go far enough. We celebrate these small victories while we continue to work hard until the attacks on equality cease to exist.”

“Today is a great day for the LGBTQIA2S people. Everyone should have the right to love and marry free from discrimination. I’m grateful to the group of Senators who worked together to get us to this historic moment, and I look forward to these protections being written into law,” remarked Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille (D-Mandaree).

Senators Hoeven and Cramer voted against this bipartisan legislation.