Joe Biden signed the ‘Respect for Marriage Act’ Tuesday in Washington, D.C., to protect Marriage rights for interracial and homosexual couples.

The passing of this act opens many doors for many people. Protecting same-sex and interracial marriages by replacing provisionary definitions of marriage to “recognize any marriage between two individuals,” as stated by congress.gov, and also ensuring states recognize any marriage, no matter the sex, race, or ethnicity.

“I saw tears of joy that day as people celebrated basic human rights, the right to be recognized as a family,” Vice President Kamala Harris shared to the crowd on the south side of the White House. President Joe Biden followed up by saying, “Today, America takes a vital step toward equality, liberty, and justice.” Biden then says, “this is about realizing the promise of the Declaration of Independence,” he continued, “A promise that we’re all created equal.”

Kamala Harris thought back to 2013, speaking about a decisive moment when she wed her two close friends when she “had the privilege and honor to pronounce (her) friends Kris Perry and Sandy Stare spouses for life.” Biden also had something powerful to say, ensuring it’s clear that “racism, antisemitism, homophobia, transphobia. They’re all connected. But the antidote to hate is love,” he went on, “this law and the love it defends strike a blow against hate in all its forms.”

He also mentioned a moment from 2012 when he accidentally disclosed his support for gay marriage as Vice President. “10 years ago, I got in trouble,” he continued by saying, “Marriage is a simple proposition. Who do you love, and will you be loyal to that person you love?”

Biden also spoke out about Brittney Griner, who recently got freed from Russian custody in a prisoner swap, whose wife, Cherelle Griner, told Biden, “my family is whole my fellow Americans at all-consuming life-altering love,” immediately on hearing Brittney had been freed. He spoke on the future, against “the hundreds of callous cynical laws introduced in the states targeting transgender Children, terrifying families and criminalizing doctors who give Children the care they need.” 

Right before signing, he said, “Thank you to everyone on the hard-fought victory generations in the making. It’s been a long road. We got it done. We’re going to continue the work ahead. I promise you. God bless you all. And may God protect our troops,” and with that, millions of Americans have been freed of the anxiety tied to the possibility of losing their rights. – Associated Press