Senator’s bill ensures marriage protections for all couples while protecting and respecting religious liberties
Senator worked with religious groups, LGBTQ advocates, business groups, and local leaders to shape this historic, bipartisan legislation
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act earned strong support from Arizona leaders. Sinema’s bipartisan legislation ensures same-sex couples are afforded the same protections as all marriages while protecting and respecting religious liberties.
“Our Respect for Marriage Act is the product of an inclusive, bipartisan, and collaborative coalition of religious groups, LGBTQ advocates, business groups, and local leaders – all of whom were strong supporters in writing this historic legislation that honors, protects, and respects all marriages and religious freedoms. This is the way to win and ensure lasting, positive change for Arizonans,” said Sinema.
“Living authentically, without compromising or hiding who you are, is a fundamental part of what it means to be human, and an essential part of the diverse and welcoming community we foster in Phoenix,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “I fully support the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act and support Senator Sinema’s efforts to pass it. This is important legislation, and now is the time to enshrine it in law.”
“The Respect for Marriage Act is a victory of fairness and equality for all, and I’m grateful to Senator Sinema for her leadership on this legislation. In Mesa, we recognized the importance of equality, and the benefits inclusion brings to our city, for people of faith, LGBTQ people, people of color – everyone. I am proud that Mesa adopted a non-discrimination ordinance that enshrines our commitment to equality and respect, and that it led to several other Arizona municipalities adopting similar ordinances. Now, because of the Respect for Marriage Act, all Americans will enjoy this fundamental right,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles.
“I applaud the Senate for taking this important step to protect marriage equality under federal law. Thank you, Senator Sinema for your leadership on the Respect for Marriage Act, and Senator Kelly, for your support of this critical measure,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.
“Thanks, once again, to Senator Sinema for her tremendous leadership on the Respect for Marriage Act. This bi-partisan, bi-cameral legislation will finally provide marriage equality for all couples and ensure that same-sex couples can receive the same protections and benefits as other married couples. I applaud Senator Sinema’s continued work to bring people together and end all forms of discrimination,” said Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy.
“I am grateful and encouraged by this legislation, allowing for the codification of federal protections for interracial and same-gender marriages while allowing for appropriate protections for religious beliefs. This is a great example of respect for all parties involved, by including all parties in the solution,” said Julie Engel, President & CEO of Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp.
Sinema’s bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act requires the federal government to recognize a marriage between two individuals if the marriage was valid in the state it was performed. Additionally, Sinema’s bipartisan legislation guarantees that valid marriages between two individuals are given full faith and credit, regardless of the couple’s sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. The bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act protects all religious liberty and conscience protections available under the Constitution or federal law. Click HERE for a one-page summary of Sinema’s bill and HERE for the full text.
Sinema partnered with U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to earn strong bipartisan support for the Respect for Marriage Act. Sinema built a diverse and inclusive coalition of religious groups – notably, The Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints – business groups, LGBTQ advocates, and other partners to earn support.
In 2006, Sinema led the effort to successfully defeat Proposition 107, which would have banned same-sex marriages in Arizona and negatively impacted unmarried couples, common law marriages, and domestic partnerships. This was the first successful defeat of a ballot proposition involving LGBTQ rights in the nation.