Hirono Statement on Respect for Marriage Act Cloture Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) voted to invoke cloture on the Respect for Marriage Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that she cosponsored to protect marriage equality in federal law. The legislation, which passed in the House in July, passed the major procedural cloture vote 62-37, all but ensuring it’s final passage in the Senate.

“Nearly a decade ago, the Supreme Court affirmed marriage equality as the law of the land. But as the far-right majority on the Court works to eliminate fundamental rights, it is clear we must act to protect same-sex and interracial marriages. The Respect for Marriage Act will give same-sex and interracial couples the certainty that their marriage is, and always will be, legal—and I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation,” said Senator Hirono. “I look forward to voting on final Senate passage of this legislation, and I’ll continue fighting to ensure that every person in our country is treated with dignity and respect—regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion.”

Specifically, the Respect for Marriage Act would:

1. Require the federal government to recognize a marriage between two individuals if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed; and
2. Guarantee that valid marriages between two individuals are given full faith and credit, regardless of the couple’s sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin, but the bill would not require a State to issue a marriage license contrary to state law.

The House companion bill was introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Chairman David Cicilline (D-RI) and passed the House on July 19 by a vote of 267 to 157, with 47 Republicans voting in favor.

Senator Hirono has been a consistent champion for LGBTQ+ rights. Earlier this year, she introduced a resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and took to the Senate floor to block Senate Republicans’ attempt to pass anti-transgender legislation to ban trans women and girls from participating in sports consistent with their gender. In March, Senator Hirono also introduced a resolution with her Senate colleagues recognizing International Transgender Day of Visibility. She is also a sponsor of the Equality Act, legislation which would extend federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ individuals.

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