Same-Sex Marriage Protection Bill , Passes US Senate.
Reuters reports that the Senate passed
the bill by a vote of 61 to 36 on Nov. 29.
12 Republicans sided with 49 Democrats
to push the legislation through. .
Reuters reports that the bill would require the U.S. government to recognize a same-sex marriage
"if it was legal in the state in which it was performed.".
The measure is intended to safeguard
such marriages if the Supreme Court
decides to reverse a 2015 ruling. .
However, it would not keep individual states from halting same-sex marriages if the Supreme Court overturns the decision.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement about the bill's passage.
Today the long but inexorable march towards greater equality advances forward, Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, via statement.
By passing this bill, the Senate is sending a
message that every American needs to hear:
no matter who you are or who you love, you too
deserve dignity and equal treatment under the law, Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, via statement.
The House, which passed similar legislation earlier this year, must vote on the bill next.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
America is home to approximately
568,000 married same-sex couples.