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NC Senator's legislation would codify the right of same-sex and interracial couples to marry

(Photo provided by the office of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis)
North Carolina’s senior U.S. Senator Thom Tillis says a bipartisan group of lawmakers has settled on an amendment to the federal Respect for Marriage Act that would codify the right of same-sex and interracial couples to marry as long as that is legal in a given state.

North Carolina’s senior U.S. Senator says a bipartisan group of lawmakers has settled on an amendment to the federal Respect for Marriage Act that would codify the right of same-sex and interracial couples to marry as long as that is legal in a given state.

Sen. Thom Tillis says the amendment is narrow, but it would accomplish two primary goals. It would require the federal government to recognize a marriage between two people if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed, and would also guarantee that valid marriages between two people are given full faith and credit, regardless of the couple’s sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.

The bill would not require a state to issue a marriage license contrary to state law.

When the bill passed the House with bipartisan support in July Tillis said he would likely support it.

The legislation requires the support of 10 GOP senators to avoid a filibuster.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said he would bring up the bill in the coming weeks.

Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. She has been involved in the media industry in eastern North Carolina for more than three years. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to ENC to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of toddler and baby cuddling, reading, designing costumes for children’s theater and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.