The Respect for Marriage Act emerged from the House on a bipartisan vote, but when it came to Kentucky’s representatives, the vote was solidly down party lines – with only Democrat John Yarmuth in favor.
Ahead of the vote, New York Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler, the sponsor of the bill, said the high court’s decision legalizing same-sex marriage is under now threat.
"If that decision is not overturned, this bill is unnecessary but harmless," Nadler said. "If that decision is overturned, this bill is crucial. And we don't know what this court is going to do."
Yarmuth echoed those concerns, tweeting that Congress must act to enshrine same-sex marriage rights in order to protect them from an “outright assault” launched by “conservatives and religious zealots.”
Proud to vote YES on the Respect for Marriage Act to enshrine the rights to same-sex and interracial marriage. https://t.co/BSr1sY6AFS
— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) July 19, 2022
Meanwhile, Kentucky’s Republican representatives in the chamber voted in unison against the measure.
6th District Congressman Andy Barr described the bill as gratuitous and politically-motivated. He went on to say the measure is “more about expressing scorn and intolerance for people of faith who have sincerely-held religious beliefs in favor of traditional marriage.”
The bill faces a more uncertain future in the Senate. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has avoided commenting, saying he would delay announcing anything on the issue until the majority decides what it wants to put on the floor for a vote.
