WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Biden Signs the Respect For Marriage Act

Yesterday, President Biden signed the historic, bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act into law at a celebration on the White House South Lawn. He was joined by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, as well as advocates, LGBTQI+ families, faith leaders, and plaintiffs in marriage equality cases across the country.

In May 2012, then-Vice President Biden made history when he said: "This is all about a simple proposition. Who do you love? Who do you love and will you be loyal to the person you love?"

The Respect for Marriage Act helps ensure that proposition is fully realized in the United States. It builds on generations of civil rights advocacy to bring stability and security to millions of LGBTQI+ and interracial couples who will finally be guaranteed the rights and protections to which they and their children are entitled.

See below for what they're saying about the historic event:

Members of Congress:

Speaker of the House, California Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi: "I joined @POTUS, @VP, and @SenSchumer at the @WhiteHouse for a signing ceremony for the Respect for Marriage Act, a landmark victory in the fight for full equality – enshrining the foundational right to marry the person you love into the law of the land." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Senate Majority Leader, New York Congressman Chuck Schumer: "With President Biden's signature: The Respect for Marriage Act that we passed in the Senate is now the law of the land!" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

House Majority Leader, Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer: "I was honored to stand alongside President Biden as he signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law earlier today, enshrining the constitutional right to marriage equality in federal statute at long last. In doing so, he ensures that millions of Americans in interracial and same-sex marriages can live with the assurance that their families will receive full legal recognition in every city, county, and state across the country. I was proud to join House Democrats in passing this bill twice, and I am grateful to the thirty-nine House Republicans and twelve Republican Senators who joined us in supporting this crucial legislation. "It is unacceptable that the Supreme Court put this basic right in jeopardy in the first place with its radical Dobbs v. Jackson decision. Like so many others throughout America, I'm relieved we were able to secure these protections for marriage equality. House Democrats will not rest, however, until Congress establishes similar protections for the other basic freedoms, rights, and liberties cherished by the American people." [Statement, 12/13/22]

Senate Majority Whip, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin: I joined @POTUS on the South Lawn today as he signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law. This landmark civil rights legislation builds on generations of advocacy to bring stability and security to millions of LGBTQ and interracial couples. [Tweet, 12/13/22]

House Majority Whip, South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn: "Today, @POTUS signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law — landmark legislation to ensure same-sex and interracial couples are always recognized under federal law. Every family deserves the freedom to love without fear and to be treated with dignity and respect." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Assistant Speaker of the House, Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark: "Every day I am proud to represent Massachusetts — the first state to legalize same-sex marriage. And now, marriage equality is the law of the land. Love wins, America. #RespectForMarriageAct" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Chairman, House Judiciary Committee, New York Congressman Jerry Nadler: "It's official: After more than a decade of hard work, my Respect for Marriage Act has been signed into law! Today we made history by repealing the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act and providing additional legal protections for same-sex and interracial couples." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Chairman, Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline: "Thrilled to be here at the @WhiteHouse as @POTUS makes history signing the #RespectForMarriageAct into law!" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema: "Our bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act is law! Thanks to our independent leadership, we brought folks from both sides together to respect religious freedoms and ensure same-sex married couples continue to have the same rights and protections afforded to all married couples." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

California Senator Alex Padilla: "The Respect for Marriage Act is now officially the law of the land. A major milestone for America." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Maine Senator Susan Collins: "The Respect for Marriage Act is now law! This historic legislation provides certainty to millions of loving couples in same-sex marriages. I was proud to partner with @SenatorBaldwin on this effort to prevent discrimination, promote equality, and protect religious liberties." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow: So exciting to be at the White House for the bill signing of the Respect for Marriage Act! Love is love! [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar: "At the White House where the President is about to sign the Respect for Marriage Act into law. The sun is shining today. " [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith: "DOMA. Don't Ask Don't Tell. Obergefell. The Respect for Marriage Act. We've spent decades debating a simple question: should we as a country give equal rights to LGBTQ+ people? The answer is yes. @POTUS just signed the Respect for Marriage Act, and I was honored to be there." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Montana Senator Jon Tester: "A big win for freedom. With the Respect for Marriage Act now law, Montanans won't need to worry about politicians or activist judges threatening their right to marry who they love." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker: "I was proud to vote for the Respect for Marriage Act which will protect your right to marry who you love. Honored to stand next to @POTUS & witness this bill signed into law. I thank my Senate & House colleagues for their work on this historic legislation" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen: "Today is a good day! The federal government will *finally* protect marriage equality and the rights of all LGBTQ couples who get married." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan: "Today is a day that will be written into history books. Finally, federal protections for same-sex and interracial couples are signed into law. I'm proud to have helped make this historic law a reality, upholding our country's commitment to the right to love who you love." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

New Mexico Senator Ben Ray Lujan: "Today @POTUS signed the Respect for Marriage Act into Law! A bipartisan piece of legislation that protects same-sex and interracial marriage on the federal level. Historic!" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Virginia Senator Tim Kaine: "The Respect for Marriage Act is now law! Proud to have cosponsored this bill to give same-sex and interracial couples the certainty that their marriages will be recognized by every state, no matter what the Supreme Court does. This is about respect and this is about equality." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin: "It was great to be at the White House to celebrate the Respect for Marriage Act being signed into law by @POTUS! I'm happy that the hard work and long hours of bipartisan negotiation have finally paid off for the millions of loving same-sex & interracial couples across America." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

California Congresswoman Judy Chu: "It was an honor to join @POTUS at the White House to see the #RespectForMarriageAct signed into law. My heart is so filled with joy. Thank you, President Biden, and thank you to our LGBTQ+ community for never giving up the fight for equality. #LoveIsLove " [Tweet, 12/13/22]

California Congressman Raul Ruiz: "Great news! @POTUS just signed the #RespectForMarriage Act into law, providing critical protections for same-sex and interracial marriages." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Connecticut Congressman John Larson: "Americans deserve to love who they love, without fear. Today, @POTUS signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law to protect same-sex & interracial marriages from unjust discrimination." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Florida Congresswoman Lois Frankel: "As a Member of the @LGBTEqCaucus, I am proud to have voted for the #RespectForMarriageAct. Love Wins again in our country as @POTUS signs this bill into law to protect & respect the sanctity of same-sex & interracial marriages." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell: "Today is truly a historic day in our nation's history. Same-sex & interracial couples deserve the right to build a life together just as anyone else. With the signing of the #RespectForMarriage Act, we'll ensure stability for these families with critical statutory protections." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig: "It was an honor to be at the White House with my wife Cheryl today to attend the signing ceremony for the Respect For Marriage Act. We acted so that families like mine will stay protected no matter what happens in the courts." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

North Carolina Congresswoman Deborah Ross: "It's 2022 – marriage equality shouldn't even be a question. Today, @POTUS signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law, protecting marriage equality for all. #LoveWins " [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Texas Congressman Colin Allred: "Today, President Biden made history and codified the right of all Americans to marry who they love. I was proud to vote for this bill and will never stop working to ensure that every Texan is able to live free from discrimination. #loveislove" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Virginia Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger: "@POTUS has now signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law, meaning Virginians in same-sex and interracial marriages are now protected under federal law. Advocates who fought for decades, lawmakers who never gave up, and the entire LGBTQ+ community made today possible." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Washington Congresswoman Kim Schrier: "Great news! I was proud to support this important bipartisan legislation. It will provide legal protections and sense of security for same sex and interracial marriages, no matter what the future holds." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan: "It was a privilege to be at the @WhiteHouse to see @POTUS sign the #RespectForMarriageAct into law, moving us one step closer to equality for all." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

State and Local Elected Officials

Arizona State Senator Raquel Teran: "We Love to See This! Thank you to every member of the US Senate & US House of Representatives for passing the #RespectForMarriageAct, and of course to @POTUS for his powerful signature! THANK YOU to all the activists and advocates for their tireless work to make yesterday happen!" [Tweet, 12/14/22]

Arizona State Representative Andres Cano: "Honored to represent Arizonans as the Respect for Marriage Act was signed into law by @POTUS today." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

California State Senator Scott Wiener: "By signing the Respect for Marriage Act, President Biden made a powerful statement that LGBTQ people deserve basic human dignity. The vile "Defense of Marriage Act" is now in the dustbin of history. Much work remains - our community is under assault - but today, love won." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Connecticut State Senator Norm Needleman: "The Respect for Marriage Act was signed into law by @POTUS! A historic day for the U.S. as the new law will protect #marriageequality and give peace of mind to same-sex and interracial couples across the U.S. that their marriages will be treated with dignity." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Florida State Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book: "Today, we celebrate the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act and the hard-won progress made by LGBTQ Americans. This landmark legislation will enshrine equal rights for ALL married couples in federal law. LOVE wins!" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Maine Speaker of the House Ryan Michael Fecteau: "We did it, Joe! We stand on the shoulders of giants who have been fighting for LGBTQ+ equality for a very long time. I'm so proud to be witness to this historic day where same-sex and interracial marriages gain federal protections." [Tweet, 12/13/2022]

Maryland State Delegate Brooke Lierman:"A landmark day in this country as the President signs the Respect for Marriage Act. No right can be taken for granted and today our federal government affirmed that marriage equality is the law of the land. #loveislove #Loving" [Tweet, 12/13/2022]

Michigan State Senator Jeremy Moss: "Who woulda thought the gayest party I've ever been to was at the White House? Thank you @POTUS for signing the Respect for Marriage Act! #LoveIsLove" [Tweet, 12/13/2022]

Connecticut State Senator Bob Duff: "In 2008, Connecticut was one of the first states in the nation to provide marriage rights to same-sex couples, Today's bill signing by @POTUS will guarantee federal protections and provide further security to many couples statewide and nationally. Thanks to all who led on this." [Tweet, 12/13/2022]

Michigan State Senator Winnie Brinks: "@POTUS: Marriage is a simple proposition. Who do you love? And will you be loyal to that person? #RespectForMarriageAct #LoveIsLove " [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Michigan State Senator Erika Geiss: "06.12.1967: Interracial marriage made legal in Loving v. Virgina. 06.26.2015: Same sex marriage made legal in Obergefell v. Hodges. 12.13.2022: @Potus Joe Biden codifies & reaffirms both by signing into law the #RespectForMarriageAct so we can all marry who we love. #LoveIsLove" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Florida State Representative Carlos Smith: "Thank you, President @JoeBiden! With the signing of #RMA, our marriage is: Protected under federal law Respected in all 50 states" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Indiana State Representative Garcia Wilburn: "Like many others in our country today, I'm waking up a little more grateful. Today, President Biden will sign the Respect for Marriage Act into law. Protecting my marriage and many others. #MarriageEquality" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Illinois State Senator Jacqueline Collins: "Today the president signed a landmark piece of legislation into law, the Respect for Marriage Act. This enshrines federal protections for marriage equality, regardless of sex, gender or race. #RespectForMarriageAct" [Tweet, 12/13/2022]

Michigan State Representative Mari Manoogian: "Celebrating @POTUS signing the Respect for Marriage Act with my seat mate, Rep. @lpohutsky19! " [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Michigan State Representative Laurie Pohutsky: "I'm honored to be in DC today for the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act. Its passage makes it even more clear that we need to pass my and @JeremyAllenMoss's bills to amend the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act in Michigan this term to guarantee protection for all." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Montana State Representative-elect Zooey Zephyr: "We are standing on the White House Lawn watching history at the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act. We carry with us all of the people who we have stood beside in the fight for dignity. And we stand here happy to be together, our own love visible from the seats of power." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta: "America is better when it's fairer. Today with @POTUS' signature it will become a little more so for millions of Americans. Only sad that @drmattkenyatta couldn't be here in person as well." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Pennsylvania State Representative Jessica Benham: "I'm honored to join President Biden for the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act at the White House today. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it is so beyond meaningful to know that our right to marry whoever we choose is protected nationally." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Wisconsin State Representative Francesca Hong: "The #RespectforMarriageAct is finally the law of the land. Thank you @POTUS and @SenatorBaldwin for working hard to make sure that love will always win." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

San Francisco Mayor London Breed: "San Francisco has long led the fight for marriage equality and we are proud to see this moment. Thank you @POTUS for signing this historic legislation that gives any person in this country the right to marry someone that they love." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Arizona Governor-Elect Katie Hobbs: "Love is love. Thank you @POTUS for enshrining that into law today. #RespectForMarriageAct" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis: "Thank you @POTUS and the many advocates across the nation for your fearless leadership towards marriage equality. Today is about enshrining equality and building a brighter future for all Americans and generations to come." [Tweet, 12/13/2022]

Colorado Governor Jared Polis: "In Colorado, we value and respect freedom. The bottom line is that people want the government out of their bedrooms. The focus of leaders should be on protecting and expanding the freedoms of Americans and helping save them money. Our country and state have seen how fragile our freedoms can be when under attack by out-of-touch groups or individuals so we welcome this federal action and thank the members of Congress, many of which I served with, for their bold, pro-freedom actions." [Statement, 12/13/22]

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont: "I'm glad to see this bill signed into law today. Any day that we can take a step forward to protect equality for all Americans is a good day. " [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker: "Thank you, @POTUS for taking this action to enshrine marriage equality. You are protecting the freedom and equity of families for generations to come." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Massachusetts Governor-Elect Maura Healey: "It's a great day for the LGBTQ+ community—and it's been a long time coming. We'll keep working to protect the freedoms we fought hard for. Grateful to all the married couples for sharing their stories, living authentically, and celebrating love today." [Tweet, 12/13/2022]

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer: "YES! Great step. Let's keep getting it done. " [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz: The Respect for Marriage Act is a historic step forward for civil rights in our country. Today, we put love over hate and fear. We must continue fighting for love to win every day. [Tweet, 12/13/22]

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy: "The Respect for Marriage Act signed into law by @POTUS today ensures that LBGTQIA+ & interracial couples are protected equally under federal law. I am glad to see this basic right protected when the Supreme Court's right-wing majority is rolling back our constitutional rights." [Tweet, 12/13/2022]

New York Governor Kathy Hochul: "On this historic day, I'm reminded of the New Yorkers who have helped lead the LGBTQ+ rights movement — and of the work left to do. As governor, I'll never stop fighting for our LGBTQ+ community." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

New York City Mayor Eric Adams: "Love will always win. The Respect for Marriage Act is a critical federal protection for love and marriage equality for our LGBTQ+ community and interracial couples everywhere in our country." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

New York Attorney General Letitia James: "Today, we made it clear that everyone has the right to marry who they love. Thanks to @POTUS for making the historic Respect for Marriage Act the law of the land today." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper: "This is another step toward making our country a safer and more inclusive place for everybody. Thanks to President Biden for signing into law the Respect for Marriage Act. – RC" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf: "Today is a historic day. I applaud Congress and @POTUS for codifying federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. Love won in Pennsylvania nearly ten years ago, and I am proud it's now reinforced by the Respect for Marriage Act." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee: "The Respect the Marriage Act is landmark legislation that will nationally safeguard the rights and protections that LGBTQ+ and interracial couples are entitled to. Thank you to our CODEL for voting for this important legislation and to @POTUS for signing it into law. #LoveWins" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers: "Our kids deserve to grow up in a world where they're free to be who they are and marry who they love. @POTUS just signed @SenatorBaldwin's #RespectforMarriageAct—a critical step for LGBTQ folks and families in Wisconsin and across America." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes: "Today is an amazing day for this country. Today the Respect for Marriage Act was signed into law. Today, all Americans are free to marry who they love. Love is Love." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

California Attorney General Rob Bonta: "The #RespectForMarriageAct finally enshrines protections for same sex & interracial marriage into federal law. Not long ago, my marriage would have been illegal. I simply cannot imagine life without Mia, and I know so many others feel the same about their spouses. Love is love." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

California Assemblymember Evan Low: "President @JoeBiden signing the historic same-sex and interracial marriage bill into law today! Keep an eye out for exciting pro-equality legislation in California next year. Fun to catch up w/ longtime friends who have been part of the movement for decades." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

California State Assemblymember Chris Ward: "Today, history is once again being made with the Respect for Marriage Act being signed by @POTUS. Marriage equality is now the law of the land and brings us as a nation one step closer to ensuring that the American people continue to have the right to marry who they love. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a husband and a proud father of two beautiful children, I am thankful for the hard work, advocacy and sacrifices from those that came before us and everyone who continues to stand with us today…" [Tweet, 12/13/2022]

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot: "After decades of hard work, we're celebrating Congress' decision to respect, protect and defend everyone's right to build a family with who they love. Thank you, Mr. President, for signing this bill into law!" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb: "Today, @POTUS enshrined love into law. In America, we strive to form a more perfect union by protecting every union — no matter who you are or who you love." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock: "It's a great day for equality! Thank you @POTUS for signing the Respect for Marriage Act into law - an historic and proud moment for our country!" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia: "I'll never forget then VP Biden making history and declaring support for same-sex marriage, or then District Attorney Kamala Harris marrying same-sex couples in San Francisco back in 2004, which were the first in the nation. They are the most pro-LGBTQ+ administration in history." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: "I believe that times of inflection require reflection and I believe it's time for Angelenos to remind ourselves where we come from and who we are. Together, we will do big things together." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Miami Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine: "From today onward, families across the nation will at last have the freedom and dignity of marriage equality with the full protection of the law. Today, America reaffirms that love is love." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley: "Today is a great day with the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act by @POTUS. Thank You @SenatorBaldwin for your leadership providing federal protections for same-sex & interracial marriages. Thank you @RepGwenMoore @RepMarkPocan @RepRonKindRon @BryanSteil for your support." [Tweet, 12,13, 2022]

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf: "At a time when fundamental freedoms are threatened by a reactionary Supreme Court, the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act protects and affirms what we know is right—that regardless of race or gender, everyone can marry who they love. TY @POTUS @SpeakerPelosi @tammybaldwin" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer: "Love wins once again." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey: "I thank President Biden for his leadership and join him in calling on the United States Congress to pass the Equality Act, because LGBTQ+ people deserve legal protections in all aspects of their lives." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria: "Today, our nation reaffirmed its commitment to equality for same-sex and interracial couples by finally codifying marriage equality in law. Everyone across the U.S. can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing the right to marry the person they love is more secure. Thank you, @POTUS." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell: "I was born to a Japanese American mother and African American father. They taught me that love knows no boundaries. The #RespectforMarriageAct affirms that truth, protecting the rights of same-sex and interracial couples and ensuring every American can marry who they love." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero: "Celebrating this win TODAY Thank you @POTUS #RespectForMarriageAct" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones: "Same-sex and interracial marriage protections are now the law of the land. Thank you to @RepCori and Senator @RoyBlunt for supporting this bill and to @POTUS for signing it. We have more work to do to protect LGBTQIA+ rights, but this is a powerful step in the right direction." [Tweet, 12/14/22]

Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser: "December 2009: Mayor Fenty signed the same-sex marriage bill in DC. December 2022: History made again when @POTUS signed the Respect for Marriage Act, codifying protections for same-sex and interracial couples nationally. #DCProud of our history and our progress." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero: "Love and Equality prevails" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Advocacy Organizations

Log Cabin Republicans: "Thank you for signing this bill into law. And thank you to the 39 Republican House members and 12 Republican Senators who made passage of this bill possible!" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

SAGE USA: "We are humbled knowing that this moment is thanks to the many, many LGBTQ+ elders, activists, and allies who have fought tirelessly for LGBTQ+ marriage and equality." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

GLAAD: "Thank you @POTUS for signing the Respect for Marriage Act into law! GLAAD is proud to be marking this historic moment at the White House with friends and allies, including Club Q survivors James, Jancarlos, and Michael, as well as Club Q founding owner Matthew Haynes." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

National Women's Law Center: [Tweet,12/13/22]

Stacey Stevenson, CEO, Family Equality: "Today is a historic day for LGBTQ+ equality. Today, love wins." [Statement, 12/13/22]

National Center for Lesbian Rights: "This afternoon, President Biden not only ended the discriminatory so-called Defense of Marriage Act, he also enshrined marriage equality into a federal statute for the first time in the history of the United States," said NCLR Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon. "By signing the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act into law, President Biden once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to protecting equality for all." [Statement, 12/13/22]

Human Rights Campaign: "Today is a historic day and a much-needed victory for our community. It should be lost on no one that this bill signing comes less than a month after a deadly attack on our community in Colorado Springs, and at a time when the community continues to face ongoing threats of online and offline violence, as well as legislative attacks on our rights. In signing this bill, President Biden has shown that LGBTQ+ peoples' lives and love are valid and supported," said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. "As a queer, married woman, this moment holds personal significance, and I will hold my wife and our son a little tighter tonight, alongside the 568,000 other same-sex married couples. We thank our legislative heroes and President Biden who fought to ensure that marriage equality will forever remain here to stay. And we continue our fight for the safety and security of our entire community." [Statement, 12/13/22]

NAACP Legal Defense Fund: "This long overdue law will prevent the stripping of rights and the upending of the lives of couples and families across the country by those who seek to exclude certain people from the freedom to marry. Indeed, this freedom has long been recognized as a part of our fundamental right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – a declaration made hundreds of years ago that remains core to our democracy. We thank President Biden and Congress for their leadership on this important issue." [Statement, 12/13/22]

Frankie Miranda, CEO, Hispanic Federation: "As the first gay president and CEO of Hispanic Federation, I commend President Biden for quickly signing the Respect for Marriage Act into law as well as Congress' decisive and bipartisan action." [Statement, 12/13/22]

Kevin Jennings, CEO, Lambda Legal: "With his signature today, President Biden has erased the discriminatory federal Defense of Marriage Act from the books and protected LGBTQ+ families from the possible depredations of a rogue Supreme Court." [Statement, 12/13/22]

Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law: "We applaud President Biden and Congress for passing this critical preventative legislation to stop the further erosion of rights before it happens." [Statement, 12/13/22]

National League of Cities: "Today, President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law. Last month, the 5 Presidents of NLC's Constituency Groups sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to pass this legislation, as it touches every one of our nation's communities." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

U.S. Mayors: "Today, @POTUS signed the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act into law, protecting marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples. What an honor to be there to celebrate this historic moment." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

America Votes: "#BREAKING: The Respect for Marriage Act has been signed into law! This legislation protects the rights of same-sex and interracial marriages, and brings America closer to ensuring equality for all under the law." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

National Black Justice Coalition: "Racism, antisemitism, homophobia, and transphobia are all connected, but the antidote to hate is love. This law and the love it defends strike a blow against hate in all its forms, and that's why this law matters to every single American." –@joebiden #RMA #Signed"[Tweet, 12/13/22]

National Center for Lesbian Rights: "@POTUS just signed the Respect for Marriage Act into Law! For the first time in history, same-sex and interracial marriage and family equality have been codified into Federal law! Today we are celebrating a win toward #EqualityForAll!http://ow.ly/5nut50M2C36" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director, GLSEN: "At the White House today, among so many of my community leaders, I'm reminded of how powerful and resilient out movement for justice is....As President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act, it's time for our leaders in Congress to build on this momentum and pass the Equality Act..." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders: "President Biden signed the #RespectForMarriageAct. The new law affirms our nation's commitment to the freedom to marry the person you love and have your family respected and protected, regardless of race or sex." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Leaders and Influencers

Former President of the United States, Barack Obama: "By mandating the federal recognition of same-sex marriages, the Respect for Marriage Act brings us closer to preserving the fundamental right of every American to marry who they love." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Olivia Julianna: "Here at the White House for the Respect for Marriage Act signing wearing our special @orlandoribbons" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Santiago Mayer: "Ten years after this, Joe Biden is signing the Respect for Marriage Act. #LoveAndEqualityWin, always." [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Gen-Z for Change: "We are so honored to be invited by the @WhiteHouse to see the monumental Respect for Marriage Act be signed into law by @POTUS" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Christopher Webb: "It's fitting that Joe Biden is the President who is signing the Respect for Marriage Act into law. May 2012, VP Joe Biden said it best— "This is all about a simple proposition. Who do you love? Who do you love and will you be loyal to the person you love?" #LoveAndEqualityWin" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

CALL TO ACTIVISM: "BREAKING: President Biden has just signed the Respect for Marriage Act into LAW #LoveAndEqualityWin" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Jack Petocz: "Never did I think that the little gay kid from a small town in Florida would be invited to the White House for this historic day. The Respect for Marriage Act has been signed into law! Thank you, @POTUS" [Tweet, 12/13/22]

Andrew Hartzler: "love won today because love ALWAYS wins." [Tweet, 12/13/22]