The United States Senate voted to enshrine the right to same-sex and interracial marriage into federal law on Tuesday.
The Respect For Marriage Act passed on a 61-36 vote. Eleven Republicans voted with Democrats on the measure.
It now heads back to the House of Representatives, where it’s likely to pass the Democrat-controlled chamber swiftly enough to head to President Joe Biden’s desk before the current Congressional term is over.
Democrat Senator Tammy Baldwin, who helped spearhead the bill, appeared emotional on the chamber floor before the final vote.
Other Democrats dressed in symbolic shades to mark the historic legislation, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wearing the same tie he wore to his daughter’s same-sex wedding and Senator Kyrsten Sinema coordinating her outfit to represent the colors of the bisexual pride flag.
‘The Senate just passed the Respect for Marriage Act! This is a huge win in the fight to protect marriage equality,’ Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal said in a statement after Tuesday’s vote.
‘There’s no time to waste. The House must act swiftly to get it to the President’s desk.’