President Joe Biden on Dec. 13 signed the Respect for Marriage Act, which specifically permits same-sex and interracial marriage. It states that the federal government recognizes any marriage between two individuals that is valid under state law. The new law prevents states from refusing to recognize out-of-state marriages based on sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.
It preserves religious liberties or conscience protections that are available under the U.S. Constitution and federal law. It does not require religious organizations to provide goods or services to recognize or celebrate a marriage. It does not sanction under federal law any marriage between more than two individuals.
"It secures the federal rights that come with marriage, like when your loved one gets sick and you're legally recognized as next of kin," Biden said.
The U.S. Senate passed the bill on Nov. 29. The U.S. House of Representatives passed it on Dec. 8.
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