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Constitutional Rights

Same-Sex Marriage Act Gives Government ‘Broad New Power’ to Target Religious Believers, Experts Say

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Same-Sex Marriage Act Gives Government ‘Broad New Power’ to Target Religious Believers, Experts Say
President Joe Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act on the South Law of the White House on Dec. 13, 2022. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
Steve Lance
Steve Lance
&
Naveen Athrappully
Naveen Athrappully
Reporter
12/18/2022|Updated: 12/19/2022
0:00

Experts are warning that the recently approved Respect for Marriage Act could end up being used to target and suppress people of Christian and other traditional faiths.

The Respect for Marriage Act was passed by the Senate in a 61–36 vote on Nov. 29, and by the House of Representatives in a 258–169 vote on Dec. 8. The bill, signed into law by President Joe Biden on Dec. 19, repeals the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act signed by President Bill Clinton that had defined marriage as being between a man and a woman, thereby recognizing marriage between members of the same sex.

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Steve Lance is the host of Capitol Report, a political news show based in Washington aimed at providing a direct channel to the voices and people who shape policy in America. Capitol Report features all of the political news of the day with expert interviews and analysis.
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