Close the Loophole: Protect Marriage Equality Everywhere

I am writing as a concerned constituent to urge you to strengthen the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA) so that it fully protects the right to marry for all Americans, no matter where they live. While I appreciate that the RFMA repealed the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act and ensures interstate recognition of valid marriages, the law still leaves a dangerous loophole. If the Supreme Court were to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, states with pre-existing or “trigger” bans could stop issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In such a scenario, Americans in those states would be forced to travel—sometimes hundreds of miles—to another state just to exercise a basic constitutional freedom. This is unacceptable in a nation that begins its Constitution with the words “We the People.” That phrase does not specify “some of the people,” “people of a certain faith,” or “people who fit one definition of marriage.” Our Constitution promises liberty and equal protection under the law for all of us. Civil marriage is a legal contract granted by the state, not a religious sacrament, and religious definitions should never dictate civil rights. I urge you to amend the Respect for Marriage Act to: Guarantee the right to marry in every state, not just the right to have a marriage recognized after traveling. Preempt state bans that would deny marriage licenses based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Affirm marriage equality as a fundamental right under federal law, making it clear that no state government may deny it. Equality under the law means access without unnecessary barriers. The Constitution is not meant to shrink when the Supreme Court changes direction—it is meant to safeguard the rights of all Americans, in every state, at all times. I urge you to take action to ensure marriage equality is truly and permanently codified in the law of this nation.