The institution of marriage is consistent with strong families, lasting relationships and values rooted in the traditions of our country. It is a fundamental right because it is widely accepted as “the most important relation in life,” and central to the pursuit of happiness. Since the U.S. Supreme Court established the right of same-sex couples to marry in 2015, more than one million gay and lesbian Americans have entered into legal marriages. In Utah alone, according to the U.S. census, today there are more than 8,000 same-sex households. Together, along with our two adopted children, we are one of those households.
Since exchanging vows six years ago, our marriage has helped us feel that our family is valued just as every other family. Yet today, the status of our marriage and the rights conferred to us, and our children, under the law are under threat.
The Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell decision requires states to license marriages between same-sex couples and to recognize all marriages lawfully performed out of state. In June, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the Supreme Court should now reconsider its decision. If this were to occur, Utah, or any other state, could tragically strip rights and basic legal protections away from married couples.
Congress can prevent this from happening by passing the Respect for Marriage Act. The bill was strongly supported by Republicans in Utah’s congressional delegation when it passed the U.S. House earlier this summer. It’s now time for Sen. Mitt Romney and Sen. Mike Lee to do the same.
The Respect for Marriage Act will, once and for all, cement respect for all married couples and will provide additional stability for families in Utah and across America.
Jason Myers and Brian Nicolls, Millcreek
