Press Release

Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-07) today voted for H.R. 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure marriage equality for same sex and interracial couples.

"In the aftermath of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, it's clear that the rights and freedoms of Americans are under threat from overreaching politicians," said Representative Bera. "Despite marriage equality being constitutionally protected under the landmark Obergefell case, some Republican lawmakers have demonstrated that they believe this case should also be overturned. I proudly voted for this legislation to affirm marriage equality as the law of the land, and to ensure that it remains protected from the whims of politicians. No one should be penalized based on who they choose to love or marry."

The Respect for Marriage Act would enshrine marriage equality for same sex and interracial couples for federal purposes; repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which still officially remains on the books; and provide additional legal protections for marriage equality.

Representative Bera serves as a member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and has been a long-time supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.