ST. LOUIS — The "Respect for Marriage Act" is awaiting President Biden's signature. The legislation enshrines federal protections for marriages of same-sex and interracial couples.
"We've had many highs and many lows with marriage equality," PROMO Missouri Executive Director Katy Erker-Lynch said.
Erker-Lynch said the Respect for Marriage Act is a step in the right direction.
"As a personal individual who is engaged to another man currently, where some might be jubilant, it is still nevertheless a bit fatiguing," 12th Ward Alderman Bill Stephens said.
Stephens and Erker-Lynch believe there's more work to be done.
"With the Dobbs decision it became very clear that Obergefell was not enough," Erker-Lynch said.
This new legislation protects same-sex and interracial marriage even if the Supreme Court were to decide to revisit Obergefell v. Hodges.
"We're one of the 35 states that does not have marriage equality in our constitution, in our statutes," she said.
After Missouri quickly made abortions illegal after Roe v. Wade was overturned, the local LGBTQ+ community feared another overturn.
"The state of Missouri's constitution explicitly defines marriage as one man and one woman," Stephens said. "It would absolutely be a very similar case to a Dobbs v. Jackson decision which overturned Roe v. Wade."
According to the Associated Press, there were many Democratic supporters.
“We need it,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. "It is magic."
Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., said he and his husband should be able to visit each other in the hospital just like any other married couple and receive spousal benefits “regardless of if your spouse’s name is Samuel or Samantha.”
Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., said he was set to marry “the love of my life” next year and it is “unthinkable” that his marriage might not be recognized in some states if Obergefell were to be overturned.
“The idea of marriage equality used to be a far-fetched idea,” said Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I. “Now it’s the law of the land and supported by the vast majority of Americans.”
According to the Associated Press, most Republicans opposed the legislation, including Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, whose own nephew came out to her this past February.
"Today, a United States Congresswoman, my Aunt Vicky, started crying because gay people like me can get married," Andrew Hartzler said in a TikTok post.
He added clips of his "Aunt Vicky" speaking.
"I hope that my colleagues will find the courage to join me in opposing this misguided and this dangerous bill," she said through tears. “I’ll tell you my priorities. Protect religious liberty, protect people of faith and protect Americans who believe in the true meaning of marriage.”
The Associated Press also lists other Republicans who opposed the bill, including House Republican Leader Kevin McCarty and others.
"God’s perfect design is indeed marriage between one man and one woman for life,” Rep. Bob Good, R-Va said before the vote.
But there were also Republicans who voted in favor.
“To me this is really just standing with the Constitution,” said Republican Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri, who voted for the bill both times. “No one’s religious liberties are affected in any way, shape or form."
Despite opposition, Erker-Lynch said being in a queer family is something she will always value.
"We've always celebrated our marriage, we've always celebrated our love," she said.
Stephen also said, no matter what community you are a part of it is a reminder that these laws are not set in stone.
"These rights that some of us fight for but that some of us are born with, exist only as long as we allow them to exist," Stephen said.
Erker-Lynch also said equitable legislation is a key point of PROMO's mission, so they're already looking ahead at pre-filed bills surrounding human rights in Missouri for the 2023 session.