WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the Respect for Marriage Act. The bill requires the federal government to recognize a marriage between two individuals if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed and guarantee that valid marriages between two individuals are given full faith and credit, regardless of the couple’s sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.

“Today, the Senate took a bold step to affirm the lives of millions of LGBTQ people and interracial couples across our country. By passing the Respect for Marriage Act, we sent a clear message to all LGBTQ Americans that we see them and recognize that they are worthy of equal treatment under law regardless of who they are, who they love, and who they choose to marry.

“This was a significant day in the story of American progress. But the continued threats to our most fundamental rights in the wake of the Dobbs decision that necessitated today’s vote make one thing clear: we still have work to do to achieve full equality. I will continue working to build on our efforts today until we ensure that every American is treated equally under the law, free from discrimination.”

The Respect for Marriage Act passed the Senate by a vote of 61-36. It now goes to the House of Representatives for final passage and then to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Senator Padilla is committed to pursuing equality for the LGBTQ community. Earlier this year, Padilla introduced the LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act, legislation that would protect the 1.4 million LGBTQ-owned businesses in the nation from lending discrimination to ensure equal access to economic opportunities. Padilla also joined Senate Democrats in introducing a resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month to highlight the work of the LGBTQ community in fighting to achieve full equality, including for marriage.