Bill Sherley Published: 07/09/22 Updated: 26/03/23 Views: 194
The legislative bill H.R.8404 - Respect for Marriage Act, introduced by Democrat Representative Jerrold Nadler, is anything but respectful to marriage.
This bill repeals and replaces provisions that do not require states to recognize same-sex marriages from other states with provisions that prohibit the denial of full faith and credit or any right or claim relating to out-of-state marriages on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. In other words, a state that doesn't recognize same-sex marriages would be forced to accept them.
The bill prohibits states from denying full faith and credit or any right or claim related to out-of-state marriages on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. States that don't recognize same-sex marriages should not be forced to do so. This takes away their sovereignty rights, as the state should retain its authority to govern its citizens without any outside influence. Allowing same-sex marriage in a state against the wishes of the people living there could lead to divisiveness and unrest among the citizens, who may not be in favor of such a change. Furthermore, states that uphold traditional marriage values could see their laws and customs disregarded if same-sex marriages were to be forced upon them. This could have a negative impact on the culture of the state and its people, leading to further conflict and disruption. Ultimately, it is important for each state to be able to decide for itself whether or not to recognize same-sex marriages, and should not be forced into doing so.
Legalizing same-sex marriage in any one state has the potential to set a dangerous precedent that could eventually lead to other forms of matrimony being accepted. For example, if a single state decided to legalize polygamy or even allow an adult to marry a child, then all other states would be legally obligated to accept it as well due to the precedent set by the first state. This could be a damaging situation for those states who disagree with such practices, as they would no longer have any control over how marriage is regulated within their own borders. Furthermore, in allowing same-sex marriage, it only takes one state to start a chain reaction that could ultimately lead to more permissive laws for other forms of marriage. Therefore, if we wish to maintain a certain level of control over our laws, it is important to consider the potential ramifications of legalizing same-sex marriage in any given state.
The bill has now moved to the senate where it is expected to pass, according to Republican Senator Thom Tillis. It needs 60 votes in the Senate to become law.
Ted Cruz mentioned in a podcast on 09/06/22 that he would vote Nay saying that the bill is an attack on religious liberties.
Passed House
The bill (H.R. 8401) passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 19, 2022, with 47 Republicans joining all 220 Democrats in voting Yea.
