Human Rights Campaign Mobilizes Over 220 Businesses & More than 43,000 Supporters to Rally Behind Respect for Marriage Act Senate Vote

With Congress now back in session and passing the Respect for Marriage Act a top priority in the Senate, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, is mobilizing 226 major businesses representing over 8.5 million employees, its more than 3 million highly engaged members and supporters, and the nation’s 62 million “Equality Voters” to call on the U.S. Senate to pass the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA). The legislation that would nationally codify federal marriage equality by guaranteeing the federal rights, benefits and obligations of marriages in the federal code; repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings are recognized by all states.

 

“As we lead up to a Senate vote for the Respect for Marriage Act, we are so close to codifying marriage equality as the law of our land — so close to ensuring that everyone will have the freedom to love who they love without fear that their right to do so may be taken away in the future,” said Joni Madison, Human Rights Campaign Interim President. “When we rally our individual voices into one united roar, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. I celebrate the thousands of people who have picked up the phone or written a letter to their senator. And I thank the 226 businesses who have joined the fight for LGBTQ+ equality on behalf of their employees and customers, for whom this is entirely personal. But we cannot let up; we must continue to dig in, do the hard work, and demand that the Respect for Marriage Act is passed and signed into law.”

 

In the aftermath of Dobbs, it is more important than ever that Congress enshrine court-protected civil liberties into law. In July, the Respect for Marriage Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives 267-157, garnering 47 Republican votes — proving that support for marriage equality is widespread and bipartisan. In August, HRC announced that 173 businesses had signed on to a letter calling for passage of the bill. That number of businesses has now increased to 226.

 

“IBM, joined by more than 220 other companies, proudly signed this letter urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Respect for Marriage Act to protect marriage equality for the purposes of federal law,” said Carla Grant Pickens, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, IBM. “No American should fear the legality of their marriage or adoption, and this legislation gives Congress a chance to affirm our American values of equality and fairness for all.”

 

“We must fight to ensure marriage equality remains the law of the land. Aligned with our inclusive values and longstanding support of the LGBTQ+ community, KIND proudly supports the Respect for Marriage Act and urges the Senate to vote in favor of protecting marriage equality nationwide,” said Russell Stokes, CEO, Kind.

 

“It’s time for leaders to demonstrate conviction for the fair and equitable treatment of everyone. At Logitech, we stand up for equality in all its forms and are proud to continue our support of HRC and its efforts to pass the Respect for Marriage Act,” said Bracken Darrell, CEO, Logitech.