Love is love and Americans should have the right to marry the person they love. Today’s bipartisan Senate vote gets us closer to protecting that right.
The Respect for Marriage Act protects all couples under law – I urge Congress to send the bill to my desk so I can make it law.
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 16, 2022
The right to marry who you love is a fundamental freedom. Today, I joined Republicans and Democrats in the Senate to advance the Respect for Marriage Act to protect that freedom. Tomorrow, we’ll vote to make it law.
— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) November 16, 2022
As many people are pointing out, the bill is less than perfect — it doesn’t deny individual states the right to ban future same-sex or interracial marriages, just prevents those states from denying ‘marital benefits’ (employment-related services, dependent child adoption, health care, death benefits) to individuals already married. But it’s a step forward, and IMO an important one. I would probably injure myself in glee if the Equal Right Amendment were added to the Constitution, but I’m not gonna refuse (especially on other peoples’ behalf) all the improvements in gender-related civil liberties that have accrued to us since 1973…
NOW: Senate advances the Respect for Marriage Act in a 62 to 37 vote https://t.co/7QErmGJ3kJ pic.twitter.com/VnVcC7LMWn
— nikki mccann ramírez (@NikkiMcR) November 16, 2022
NEWS: 62-37, Senate votes to defeat a filibuster and advance the Respect For Marriage Act to codify federal protections for same-sex marriage.
This puts it on a glide path to passage.
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) November 16, 2022
NEWS: Senate votes 62-37 to bypass a key procedural hurdle RE: the Respect for Marriage Act, putting it on glide path to (eventual) passage.
GOP YES VOTES:
1. Blunt
2. Burr
3. Capito
4. Collins
5. Ernst
6. Lummis
7. Murkowski
8. Portman
9. Sullivan
10. Romney
11. Tillis
12 Young— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) November 16, 2022
Statement from Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says Church doctrine on marriage "will remain unchanged" but bill is "the way forward" to respect religious freedom while "preserving the rights of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters" (2/2)
— Josh Lederman (@JoshNBCNews) November 15, 2022
My lightly informed opinion: The global LDS missionary outreach has expanded to the point where it doesn’t want a minority of revanchist bigots to make good Church members uncomfortable about living in Salt Lake City, no matter their skin color or that of their temple-sealed partners. Also, Mormon history is sufficiently honored that the men running the LDS know angry Heartland Americans(tm), once they’ve run out of ‘queers’ and ‘n*****-lovers’ to punish, will turn their (not always metaphorical) guns on ‘filthy sisterwives sex maniacs in funny underwear’ with a quickness.
And then there are the men who are complacently sure that the leopards would never eat *their* faces:
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has voted NO to advancing the Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect his own interracial marriage to Elaine Chao under federal law. pic.twitter.com/UleHMxcHdp
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 16, 2022
The Senate has now advanced the Respect for Marriage Act; a bill to protect same-sex and interracial marriage from absurd attacks from Clarence Thomas.
37 Republicans voted against this. Another reminder of Republicans extremism.
— Ethan Wolf (@ethanmwolf) November 16, 2022
Today, the Respect for Marriage Act made significant progress in the Senate. This is an important step in the right direction when it comes to securing marriage equality for all.
— Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) November 16, 2022
Points to Sinema for voting in favor, but her early tweet makes it pretty damned clear she is not, shall we say, wedded to her present position…
most americans actually do agree on this, people against marriage equality are genuinely a minority who aren’t worth placating, and i am looking forward to you being obliterated in the 2024 primary https://t.co/4e2Q76WRS8
— GOLIKEHELLMACHINE (@golikehellmachi) November 16, 2022
Once Senator Warnock has secured his seat, I hear Monaco is without an American ambassador. Seems like a place where Ms. Sinema would really be able to explore her interests — wine, public wackiness, and sucking up to wealthy choads.
MazeDancer
More good news – Katie Porter won her race!
bbleh
As I understand it, the Act also reifies the full-faith-and-credit clause of the Constitution as regards recognition by every state of marriages performed in any state. That is, even if your state won’t let you get married, as long as you’re legally married in one that will, your state is obliged to recognize it.
Of course, this will be tested in court. But it does have that, y’know, Constitutional thing going on.
@MazeDancer: really?! That IS good. She’s a damn asset to the nation.
Baud
@MazeDancer:
Whew.
Scout211
@MazeDancer: link? Who projected the win?
ETA: If you can link to your information , I would appreciate it. She is just under 7,000 votes ahead as of tonight and I haven’t found a news organization who has called this race yet.
oatler
Democrat Karen Bass Wins Los Angeles Mayor Race
BruceFromOhio
Sorry, I thought you were referencing Remora Journalist Haberman there for a moment.
WaterGirl
@Baud: Every House seat we win or keep is a relief at this point.
Alison Rose
I really wish a friend of Elaine Chao’s would pull her aside and be like, “Woman, seriously, DTMFA.” Because what the fuck.
BUT. This is good news.
Cameron
Re McConnell, while the Act will protect interracial marriage, it appears to be silent regarding interspecies marriage.
WaterGirl
@Scout211: I am not seeing it anywhere yet, but MazeDancer may have a source that I am not aware of.
MazeDancer
@Scout211: Wasserman has seen enough.
Link
Then Decision Desk posted one of their graphics.
Didn’t look for others, good enough for me.
Scout211
@MazeDancer: The vote drops each night are edging her direction but two nights ago the votes went in the Republican’s direction by 2,500. I guess we should wait for Martin to comment but it seems too close to call yet for most of the news organizations.
MazeDancer
@Scout211: Wasserman is no slouch.
And Katie Porter herself just celebrated on Twitter:
Link
Scout211
@MazeDancer: Sweet! Thanks.
Rebel's Dad (fka texasboyshaun)
This is welcome news. I won’t celebrate until it’s signed into law, of course, but I’ll take every win we can get no matter how small. Baby steps are still steps.
Since it’s an open thread, I guess I can tell you that I love being in New Jersey and although I miss my family and the great food back in Texas, being here is truly a blessing. My mental health’s improved a bit but my life is still wobbly. I used to be able to work 50 hour weeks and burn the candle at both ends. Now I can’t work more than 25-30 hours and only in a setting where I’m not multitasking or really using much brain power. I struggle with activities of daily living too. I’ve been encouraged to apply for SSDI due to my autism and bipolar disorder severely limiting my ability to work and take care of myself. It’s a scary thought because I’m only 44 and I have a lot of pride.
Any other disabled folks out there go through a similar situation?
New Deal democrat
@bbleh: If this Act forces States to do anything (as opposed to codifying federal benefits), it will probably be struck down by this Court.
As to full faith and credit, the Court will say that it is *its* decision to make, and not Congress’s.
MazeDancer
McConnell voting against his own marriage is sick and creepy.
WaterGirl
@MazeDancer: Yay!
Also, you may see that I edited both of your comments to move the URL to “Link” – long URLs break the margins on phones, which is why I did that.
WaterGirl
@MazeDancer: Right on brand since McConnell IS sick and creepy.
Major Major Major Major
Oh good, I forgot about this one with everything else going on.
WaterGirl
@Rebel’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun): Hi there. I haven’t read your comment yet so I can’t respond to your question, but I want to let you know that with an apostrophe in your nym every single comment has to be manually approved.
Steeplejack has a fix for that. If I did this right, you can copy the apostrophe-looking character that’s in the quote box below, and then paste that in instead of the apostrophe. (in the box where you put your nym)
Then your first comment using that “new” nym has to be approved, but after that your comments should show up right away for everyone.
Leslie
@Alison Rose: An acquaintance of mine used to say, re marriage, “Water finds its level.” Obviously there can be exceptions, but I am not aware of any evidence that Yertle and Chao are not pretty well matched.
Rebel ’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun)
@WaterGirl: Like this?
zhena gogolia
@Rebel’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun): I wish you all the best!
WaterGirl
@Rebel ’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun): Almost! I think you caught a space in there, too. So take out the space between Rebel and the apostrophe look-alike and post another comment.
edit: I probably confused the issue because I had included a space inside the blockquote. I removed the spaces in the blockquote. If you want to just copy that again, you should just get the apostrophe look-alive without a space.
HumboldtBlue
@Scout211:
Hiere ya go
WaterGirl
@Rebel ’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun): I hung around for a bit in case you commented again so I could approve it. But I’m closing the computer for the night, so hopefully someone else will catch it. If not I’ll catch it in the morning.
Also Alison Rose (I think) just successfully applied for SSDI, and I mentioned your question in another thread, so you might check back tomorrow to see if she or anyone else has answered your question.
Alison Rose
@Rebel’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun): Hey there. I’m 42 and just recently got back on disability. Was on it for about 6 years in my 30s. I know it’s difficult, but please don’t let this be a hit to your pride–you are a valuable person not in spite of your disabilities, but with them. And needing help or not being able to give as much of yourself doesn’t mean anything negative about you as a person.
As for applying, I don’t know how it would work in your state, but here in California, you start out on SDI, which is state disability and is meant as a short-term thing, typically up to one year. When I was on it previously, after that one year, since I was still disabled, I was then transitioned to long-term (SSDI) through the federal government. I presume it might be similar in your state, and would encourage you to reach out to your county HHS office or even see if the local bar association can connect you with a lawyer for a free consultation. Sometimes also local health clinics or similar will have folks on staff who can walk you through things.
Again, my experience is CA specific, but here, you do the application online, and then it gives you a link to send to your doctor, so they can upload a medical certification form verifying that you are in fact disabled, or at least confirming your diagnoses. And once the state has that info, then you start getting payments. You have to recertify along the way, but it’s usually just a matter of paperwork.
My disability previously was both mental and physical, as I was dealing with extremely severe anorexia, along with a number of comorbid mental health issues. This time around, it’s only the mental health stuff–I have acute anxiety and panic disorder with agoraphobia, and while I was working from home since Covid started, it was a phone-based job and the agoraphobia began affecting my ability to be on the phone. (Long story.) Some people feel like mental health issues are less worthy of assistance and support than physical, but that is not true. Your brain is part of your body, and it doesn’t matter where your issues stem from. If you are at a place in your life where you need this assistance and you need some time to work through things, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that and nothing wrong with YOU. The way I put it is: You may have problems, but YOU are not a problem. And you deserve support <3
Evap
Can someone please explain those GOP yes votes to me. Of course I am happy that the bill passed but I would never have predicted that list. Ernst? Tillis?
bbleh
@New Deal democrat: maybe, but I dunno. The Big C is pretty unambiguous about that one. I can see a few votes against it (Thomas, of course, and mixed-race marriage W.T.F.?!, and Alito because fk all y’all), but there’s a LONG history of states recognizing each others’ marriages …
bbleh
@Evap: (((Space lasers)))
Ohio Mom
@Rebel’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun): That is what Social Security is for — to be a safety net. Ohio Son (on the spectrum like you) was on SSI until Ohio Dad retired, now he in on SSDI as a Disabled Adult Child; his benefit is based on Ohio Dad’s retirement benefit.
Ohio Son is eligible for these programs because his disability started in childhood and we have the documentation (diagnosis letters from doctors, school records, etc.) to prove it.
You are probably thinking of applying to SSDI based on your own earnings. I don’t know a lot about that Social Security program except that 1) you have to have worked and paid into Social Security for 40 quarters/ten years and 2) Very, very often, applicants are turned down and you must go through an appeals process. Even then, there is no guarantee.
I would first see what help and advice your local ARC (a disability advocacy organization) and/or your local NAMI chapter can provide, including names of attorneys who can represent you during the appeals process — you should be able to have an introductory meeting with an attorney for free (the type of attorney who specializes in Social Security matters is called an Elder Care attorney). However it may be that since you are currently working, you don’t qualify. That is why I say to get expert advice first.
You may qualify for other government supports such as SNAP (food stamps) health care (through the ACA) or housing assistance (though there are very few housing vouchers to be had).
What can I say, we all already know this can be a heartless country. Social Security is worth looking into, just don’t quit your day job yet.
Anyway, it’s good to hear that you are doing well. Moving across the country and making a new life for yourself is a big deal.
Ohio Mom
@Alison Rose: Very well said!
I would caution against comparing California’s disability system against another state’s. It sounds like you had a nice intermediate step there; I don’t know if New Jersey has anything similar. I would bet anything Texas has nothing comparable.
Once a person gets into the SSDI system, that of course is a federal program and is supposed to be the same everywhere.
Glad you were able to get the support you need.
Alison Rose
@Ohio Mom: Yeah, I presume our system is more generous than some others, which is unfortunate. Another thing that gets determined by your zip code…
surfk9
@Alison Rose: I did SSDI claims for the state of CA from 1990-1999. It is a tough program to get approved for. Make sure that you have treatment and a doctor who is willing to support your claim. Good Luck!
Ohio Mom
@Evap: I can only tell you about Rob Portman’s yes vote. As I said in a previous thread, he is Ohio’s retiring Republican Senator (will be replaced by JD Vance). He lives in a Cincinnati suburb, not far from me, and a number of years ago his son came out.
So this is personal for him, and great timing, he can support gay rights without worrying it will come back to bite him in the ass.
Fake Irishman
@Evap:
it is an interesting collection of GOPers voting “aye”. Murkowski and Collins are who pass for moderates these days. Limos and Sullivan are from Wyoming and Alaska, states that tend conservative, but aren’t as sticky on social issues. Portman’s kid is gay and he’s a lame duck. Blunt surprised me, but he’s a lame duck too. Both NC senators occasionally cross over on confirmation votes and legislation, and one is a lame duck. Romney is conservative but generally reality based and the LDS supports the bill. Young from IN is very conservative, but actually negotiates in good faith. Capito from WV is an occasional get. Ernst Is also really conservative and a bit of a nut, but has been surprisingly wobbly on some LGBT issues.
I think Tammy Baldwin negotiated this with Lumnis.
Jackie
I didn’t watch CNN’s Mike Pence interview, but OMG! And, yes, according to Raw Story, *God* was used a lot. Pence still can’t 100% condem TFG – because *God.*
https://www.rawstory.com/pence-walks-tightrope-by-trying-to-appeal-to-maga-after-j6-in-cnn-town-hall-it-angered-me/
Alison Rose
@surfk9: As I said, I’m already back on it, and I know everyone says it’s always an uphill battle, but all I can say is that it wasn’t for me the first time around and hasn’t been thus far this time. I was approved right away with no denial/appeal needed.
Ruckus
@Rebel’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun):
Other than age I’m not disabled. But I say take advantage of SSDI, that’s what it’s there for. Most of us at some point have issues, I haven’t had your level but I’ve had a bit. This country does have some programs to help most issues. They are there to be used, you aren’t taking advantage. Good luck.
kalakal
@Rebel’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun):
I can’t comment on the US social security system but Alison Roses’s last paragraph is excellent. Never blame yourself, I’ve skated on the edge of mental health issues for years ie agoraphobia and anorexia and one thing I can say is don’t try to tough it out yourself, it’s not shameful or a loss of pride to accept support. If I’d broken a leg I’d have accepted help but when it came to mental problems I didn’t for far too long and that was not very smart on my part
Eolirin
@Alison Rose: My partner’s job is helping people understand benefit programs, and I’ve been dealing with my own mental health challenges for a couple of decades, and your experience is not the norm, though also not unheard of.
I’m sure CA is better on these things than other places, because while it’s a federal program, disability qualification is still state administered, so things can be very difficult if you’ve got states that are actively hostile to benefits. NY, despite being pretty blue, is actually really bad on a lot of this stuff. Not like, red state bad, but pretty bad.
That being said, SSDI is much easier to get than SSI. SSI the expectation should be rejection and the need for an appeal. Sometimes people get it outright, but that’s relatively rare. SSDI you’re much more likely to get the initial disability criteria accepted. Also, the disability criteria for SSI at least, as applied in most places, and certainly NY, (I can’t quite remember if SSDI works the same way) isn’t that you have a diagnosis, it’s that you have conditions which preclude the ability to work at all, and they place the burden of proof on people applying. So you need your providers to talk about how your symptoms are disabling rather than what diagnoses you have, because they don’t care about that so much.
JAFD
@Rebel’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun): Salutations !
Don’t know which county in NJ you’re in – maybe one of front pagers can pass message to me – mayhaps I’ll have a string to pull or at least some morale support. Take it easy, one day at a time, accentuate the positive. Good luck!
Ohio Mom
I am thinking that Alison Rose had an easy time of going back on disability in part because Social Security already has a lot of documentation, such as her medical records.
When I went through getting Ohio Son on SSI, I’d have to do things like send in a copy of his diagnosis letter from Children’s Hospital, and then sign a release so Social Security could get copies of the Children’s records. Which included a copy of the same diagnosis letter I’d already submitted.
Same thing with school records. I sent in copies of IEPs and evaluations, Ed-psych testing, etc., then I signed a release so Social Security could get copies of all the same materials from the school, to confirm that the materials I sent I were legit.
All that takes time, it’s a very slow process. Even after SS has double copies of everything, one of their staff has to read it all.
Rebel’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun)
@JAFD: Good morning! I’m in Hudson County.
Rebel’s Dad (fka texasboyshaun)
I appreciate all the encouragement here.