Tonko, Stefanik Vote to Enshrine Marriage Equality in Law

SARATOGA COUNTY — Democrat Congressman Paul Tonko and Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik on July 19 voted to enshrine marriage equality into federal law, in response to growing threats on constitutional protections to marriage equality, contraception, and other key rights. 

H.R. 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act, will ensure that no married couple can be denied protections and benefits under federal law based on sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.

The measure passed by a 267-157 vote, with all Democrats and 47 Republicans voting in favor.  In New York State, the measure passed 25-1 with U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney casting the lone vote against. Now it’s off to the Senate. 

As it stands, the Respect for Marriage Act will require the federal government to fully recognize any marriage considered valid in the state where it was performed and prohibit state officials from denying recognition of an out-of-state marriage on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.