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president Joe Biden signed the Respect Marriage Act into law Tuesday, December 13 to ensure federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages are in place. “Today is a good day!” said the 80-year-old Biden while addressing a national audience ahead of the signing. “Today, America is taking a decisive step toward equality.” After the signing, the President passed his pen to an awestruck and overjoyed Vice President Kamala Harris – a symbolic gesture, since the VP is in an interracial marriage with Doug Emhoff.
Join the First Lady, Vice President Harris, the Second Gentleman and I as we hold a ceremony on the South Lawn to sign the Marriage Respect Act. https://t.co/xqklzlC3Aw
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 13, 2022
“Deciding who to marry is one of the most profound decisions a person can make,” President Biden continued. “Like I said, and some of you might remember, on a certain TV show ten years ago… marriage is a simple matter: who do you love and will you be faithful to that person you love?” It’s no more complicated than that.”
80’s pop icon Cyndi LauperThe 69-year-old performed her song “True Colors” with purple hair, the beloved color that symbolizes pride Sam Smith, 30, performed “Stay With Me” before signing. This is also worth mentioning Pete Buttigieg and Kamala’s husband, Doug Emhoff, wore purple ties with First Lady Jill Biden wears a lavender shawl with a beautiful blue coat. The White House was lit up in rainbow colors for this historic occasion.
Earlier today, Cyndi Lauper performed “True Colors” at the White House Marriage Code Signing Ceremony…pic.twitter.com/rAM0AKvVXL
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) December 13, 2022
In opening remarks before signing begins, Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi revealed she was “overwhelmed with emotions that brought the gavel down on this legislation”. “This is about respect, this is about being proud and it’s about time we did that,” she added.
Cyndi did too emotional remarks during the press conference celebrating the signing. “We can rest easy tonight because our families are confirmed and we get to love who we love,” she said in part. “Which sounds strange, but Americans can now love who they love. And bless Joe Biden and all the people who worked to allow people not to worry and their children not to worry about their futures.”
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