Friends of the Earth Applauds Passage of Respect for Marriage Act

WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate passed the Respect for Marriage Act by a vote of 61-36, repealing the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act and solidifying the freedom to marry regardless of gender or sexual identity. This follows the passage of similar legislation by the House of Representatives in July.  

Erich Pica, President of Friends of the Earth, issued the following statement:

Protecting the individual choice to marry whomever we choose is a fundamental civil right. We are grateful to our Congressional leaders who stood up for same-sex marriage and celebrate this historic moment for our society.  

It is critical that we continue to build on this foundation and expand our federal laws around marriage, privacy and the right to choose. A healthy democracy protects all persons equally, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Communications Contact: Brittany Miller, [email protected], (202) 222-0746