What is the Respect for Marriage Act? According to Wikipedia, “It repeals the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), requires the U.S. federal government and all U.S. states and territories to recognize the validity of same-sex and interracial civil marriages in the United States, and protects religious liberty.” (Wikipedia) The Respect for Marriage Act is a momentous social achievement in American History. It shows representation towards those people who didn’t receive it before. It ensures that the American Government can’t invoke laws that go against interracial and same-sex marriage. It gives recognition to the struggle behind legalizing basic civil rights.  

It was presented by Congress and was signed by President Joe Biden on December 13th, 2022. The Act is opposed by many groups, mainly strictly religious groups who are opposed to the right for people to have the right to marry who they please. “The Respect for Marriage Act was prominently opposed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Southern Baptist Convention due to their views on sexuality.” (Wikipedia) 

In early years, many laws were passed to prohibit interracial marriage in the U.S. “Until 1996, the federal government of the United States customarily recognized marriages conducted legally in any state for the purpose of federal legislation.” (Wikipedia)