the respect for marriage act  codifies federal marriage equality nationally by guaranteeing the federal rights, benefits, and obligations of marriages in the federal code; repeals the discriminatory defense of marriage act (doma); and affirms that public acts, records and proceedings are recognized by all states. in the aftermath of the dobbs decision, it is more important than ever that congress and the administration enshrined court-protected civil liberties into law.

codifying marriage equality is only one step in the fight for lgbtq+ health and rights, as queer communities are under attack across the country.  this year we have seen the erasure of lgbtq+ people from school curricula as well as threats and violence at pride celebrations and drag events. and we continue to mourn the five lives lost to the hate-motivated shooting at club q. young people are fighting everyday against anti-trans and anti-lgbtq+ policies and practices in their schools, communities, and states. all levels of government have a responsibility to listen to queer youth as they work in their communities to make sure every person, including lgbtq+ folks, has the right to bodily autonomy, safety, and dignity.