The Indiana Democratic Party on Thursday issued the following statement by Chairman Mike Schmuhl after the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Respect for Marriage Act, which would enshrine federal marriage protections for interracial and LGBTQ couples:
Schmuhl
“The United States is strongest when it abides by its promise to deliver liberty, freedom, and opportunity to families across the country, and with The Respect for Marriage Act, we are now one step closer toward fulfilling the goal originally set by our Founding Fathers. The State Party applauds Congressmen André Carson and Frank Mrvan for supporting LGBTQ Hoosiers and this common-sense legislation that reflects the fabric of the modern United States of America.
“For LGBTQ Americans specifically, the passage of The Respect for Marriage Act is a culminating moment for a community that too often has had to advocate for – and sometimes die for – the right to love, the right to life-saving health care, or even the right to exist openly and freely in our country. Generations of LGBTQ Americans – including many Hoosier Democrats – have been on the frontlines fighting for this moment where acceptance and the opportunity to live and thrive is not just enshrined into law but approved by a majority of Americans. I personally applaud them, because this work is why more than 65 percent of Hoosiers support the right to marry in Indiana.
“But to be clear: The Respect for Marriage Act is not perfect. Should the ultra-conservative U.S. Supreme Court overturn nationwide marriage rights for LGBTQ or interracial couples, the ability to marry who you love would be up for debate in the Indiana General Assembly. Simply look to the Indiana GOP’s horrendous statements on interracial marriage, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), and the refusal to include LGBTQ Hoosiers in the state’s hate crimes law as evidence to how extreme they could go to reverse the progress that’s been made.
“The right to marry who you love is an American right, and The Respect for Marriage Act is a necessary, inclusive step in the right direction. The Indiana Democratic Party looks forward to President Joe Biden’s signature and the upcoming celebration about how Democrats once again delivered a better future for all Hoosiers and Americans.”