Faith Leaders Applaud Signage of Respect for Marriage Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT

Austin Schuler, aschuler@faithinpubliclife.org | 540-280-3393

Washington, DC – Today, President Joe Biden has signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law.

The Respect for Marriage Act reaffirms the status quo and protects families by repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), ensuring that all federal benefits are available to married couples no matter where they live, and ensuring that states give full faith and credit to all validly celebrated marriages.

Below are statements from faith leaders in support of the Respect for Marriage Act.

Jeanné Lewis, Interim CEO, Faith in Public Life Action

“Today is a victory for our country and for all of our LGBTQ+ friends and family. The signing of the Respect for Marriage Act is a testament to what is possible when faith is used as a catalyst to protect, care for and support those who have been historically marginalized by those in power. Faith in Public Life Action is proud to be one of 45 faith-based organizations and denominations, representing millions of people of faith in America, that affirmed and advocated for this bill that brings us one step closer to creating a society where all belong. This is a seminal moment after years of hard work from people across the country who organized, voted and prayed for our elected leaders to protect same sex couples and their families, work we will continue.

People of faith have the moral responsibility to join in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community when their human rights are attacked by those who weaponize faith to divide and isolate others instead of creating a Beloved Community in which love of our neighbors is the primary driver of our action.

My faith inspires me to build towards a future where all of us can thrive and be seen as our full selves. That’s what God intended for us and that is what Faith in Public Life Action’s coalition of faith leaders will keep working towards.”

Rev. Jennifer Butler, Founder in Residence, Faith in Public Life Action

“The passing and signing of the Respect for Marriage Act is a victory for people of faith. Across traditions, people of faith affirm the dignity of all and support the freedom for everyone to marry who they love. The Respect for Marriage Act will reinforce necessary protections and guarantee recognition for same-sex and interracial couples across the nation. It will provide legal stability for married couples and families. This is an important step towards building a multi-faith, multiracial democracy where every person has the freedom to thrive. I applaud this significant legislation and urge Congress to take the next step to codify and ensure full legal protections for LGBTQ+ people.”

Rev. Darci Jaret, Pastor, Park Avenue Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA

"It might be easy to forget that in 2004, Georgia passed Georgia Constitutional Amendment 1 which banned same-sex marriage in the state. For our LGBTQ+ family, friends and neighbors, the Respect for Marriage Act provides federal protections for same-sex couples in that Georgia and all states must recognize their union. The Respect for Marriage Act is a win for all the people of Georgia and will ensure the safety of Georgia families. As a pastor, a parent, a spouse and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I believe every family deserves to live with dignity and in communities where they can thrive. The Respect for Marriage Act is a step to ensure that."

Rev. Alissia Thompson, Pastor, The United Church of Granville, Granville, OH

“Across time, culture and tradition, marriage composition has been as complex and varied as human beings themselves. The Respect for Marriage Act affirms this reality and would guarantee equality to countless people seeking mutual, mature and loving union. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a person of faith, I call upon our leaders to continue to ensure that our marriages remain legally protected as human beings made in the image and likeness of God.”

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Faith in Public Life Action is a national movement of clergy and faith leaders united in the prophetic pursuit of justice, equality and the common good. Together, with a network of over 50,000 leaders, they are leading the fight to advance just policies at the state and federal level that affirm our values and the human dignity of all.