By Leada Gore
Bolstered by 47 Republican backers, the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives voted Tuesday to pass a bill that would provide Constitutional protections for same-sex marriage in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s bombshell vote on abortion.
The bill’s future in the Senate is much less clear, however.
Democrats need to pick up 10 GOP votes to overcome a legislative filibuster to even get to a vote on the House bill.
In addition to safeguarding same-sex marriage rights nationwide, the bill would provide federal protections for interracial marriages and enact legal safeguards for married couples to prevent discrimination on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.
The bill – formally known as the “Respect for Marriage Act” – has not been scheduled for a Senate vote and it’s unclear when or if it will be. The Senate could opt to vote on a similar but different bill or come up with its own.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he’d like for the measure to go the Senate.
During a floor speech, Schumer said he was “really impressed by how much bipartisan support (the bill) got in the House.
“I want to bring this bill to the (Senate) floor. And we’re working to get the necessary Senate Republican support to ensure it would pass.”
Alabama Senators weigh in
Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama told reporters he sees “no need” for legislation on gay marriage.
He added, however, “‘I’m all about live life the way you want to. It’s a free country.”
When asked if he supported gay marriage, Tuberville responded “Yeah, if that’s what you want to do, fine.”
Sen. Richard Shelby, R-AL, had a more direct response to the bill.
“Senator Shelby believes that marriage is meant to be shared between a man and a woman,” a spokesperson told AL.com.