US House passes bill protecting same-sex marriage

The US House of Representatives approved legislation on Thursday protecting same-sex marriage. The bill will now go to President Joe Biden, who is expected to sign it into law.

The House vote was 258 in favor and 169 against, with all Democrats and 39 Republicans backing the measure. Some 169 of the chamber's Republicans voted against it and one voted "present."

"Today this chamber proudly stands with the forces of freedom," outgoing House Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi said shortly before the vote.

The bipartisan legislation also protects interracial unions, by requiring states to recognize legal marriages regardless of "sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.''

Supreme Court action prompted bill

Democrats in Congress drafted and moved the bill quickly through the House and Senate, following the Supreme Court's June decision that overturned the federal right to an abortion.

In the ruling, an opinion from conservative Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that same-sex marriage rights should also be reconsidered.

Several gay members of Congress spoke to their colleagues about what it would mean for them and their families, with Democratis representative from New Hampshire Chris Pappas saying it was "unthinkable'' that his upcoming marriage might not be recognized in some states.

Opposing members defend 'natural marriage'

Most Republicans in the House opposed the legislation. "God's perfect design is indeed marriage between one man and one woman for life,'' said Republican representative from Virginia Bob Good said. "And it doesn't matter what you think or what I think, that's what the Bible says,'' Good added.

Republican from Missoury Vicky Hartzler urged colleagues to vote against the bill, which she said undermines "natural marriage'' between a man and a woman.

jcg/aw (AFP, Reuters, AP)