John,

It’s official: the U.S. Senate just voted on the Respect for Marriage Act. This vote – which is long overdue – not only repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act but protects LGBTQ marriage at the federal level and prevents discrimination based on sex, race and other important qualifiers.

This bill – which will return to the U.S. House and that President Biden has pledged to sign - brings relief. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe and Justice Thomas’s call to bring other “recent” pro-equality cases in front of the Court was a direct threat to LGBTQ people looking to live openly and safely. I’ll hold Kathy’s hand a bit tighter today.

But while this is a step forward, there’s still much work to do. The bill does not compel states without marriage laws to issue marriage licenses, but only to recognize licenses from states where marriage equality is legal. While Obergefell stands, LGBTQ marriages are still protected everywhere.

And there are still too many anti-LGBTQ laws on the books at the state level. Too many LGBTQ people can still be married on a Sunday and fired on a Monday. Too many state legislators are still pushing anti-equality legislation and targeting trans people.

Today is a day for celebration. But tomorrow, we’re getting right back to work. Just days after the 2022 election, bigots in Tennessee and Texas have already moved to outlaw drag shows and other LGBTQ-related events.

But LGBTQ elected officials have been on the frontlines in the fight to ensure safe places for LGBTQ kids, their families and all LGBTQ people. They’re working tirelessly to ensure equality for all. If you can support our work to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed, we appreciate it.

Thank you for standing with us,

Mayor Annise Parker
Pronouns: she|her|hers
President & CEO, LGBTQ Victory Institute