The following is a statement from C.J. Peterson, rural LGBTQ activist, and former RuralOrganizing.org staffer:
Today’s vote is historic in its affirmation of marriage equality for interracial and same-sex couples. It is even more significant in its breadth of support, with backers ranging from Sen. Mitt Romney, who opposed marriage equality as the 2012 GOP nominee for president, to Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the first out lesbian to serve in the U.S. Senate. It’s clear that marriage equality has won broad bipartisan support.
That’s thanks in no small part to the work being done to change hearts and minds in rural America, where so many LGBTQ couples live and contribute to their communities. This legislation gives them peace of mind to keep working toward a better future for themselves and their families with less fear of discrimination.
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The following is a statement from Matt Hildreth, Executive Director of RuralOrganizing.org:
This legislation is necessary to protect marriage rights because Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas made it clear in his concurring opinion in the Dobbs decision that overturning the Obergefell decision was in his sights.
That matters in rural America. More than three million LGBTQ Americans live in rural areas — thousands of whom are married and raising families. In fact, majority-rural states comprise 24 of the 30 states with a higher than nationwide average rate of same-sex couples raising children, according to the Movement Advancement Project.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) for her leadership on the Respect for Marriage Act, and we look forward to its passage and signature into law.
— Matt Hildreth
The mission of RuralOrganizing.org is to rebuild a rural America that is empowered, thriving, and equitable. Follow us on Twitter @RuralOrganizing.
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