INDIANA — Faced with no longer having a trifecta in Washington at the start of the year, Democrats are moving hastily during this lame-duck session.
They're working to pass legislation House Republicans, when they're in charge, might choose to not hear. The Respect for Marriage Act is one of those bills.
Twelve Republican Senators joined 50 Democrats to overcome the filibuster on Tuesday to ensure The Respect for Marriage Act will become law.
Greg hasty has a lot to say about the federal government inching closer to protecting same-sex marriages. He and his husband CJ brought a lawsuit that eventually struck down Indiana's ban on gay marriage back in 2014.
RELATED | Same-sex couples wait hours in line to wed after ruling
"It felt great. It felt great to have that security and to be able to start a family in a secure way," Hasty said.
However, Hasty was frank about the work left to do for true equality in the LGBTQ+ community.
"It would be comical if it wasn't so painful for so many of us to look at the way we're tossed around as a wedge issue and political tool," Hasty said.
Dozens of anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been put forth across the country.
Factor in those bills, along with Supreme Court Justice Clarence signaling he'd like to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, Hasty said it just makes sense to codify same-sex marriage into federal law.
"We were getting a sense that the court was okay with striking down long-standing precedent. So, it would make us feel uncomfortable with new precedent like Obergefell," Hasty said.
Twelve Republican Senators, including Todd Young, joined all 50 democrats to advance The Respect for Marriage Act.
"Really proud of Todd Young. We actually had a great chance to talk to his office. His staff gave us a lot of time to tell stories and listen to the impact marriage equality has had on our families and what would happen if we lost that," Hasty said.
Even though things aren't perfect, Hasty knows the impact the respect for marriage act passing will have on LGBTQ+ families is monumental.
"It'll be at least one sigh of relief for a lot of families across the country who when this passes will be able to safely sleep at night knowing their family unit can stay intact," Hasty said.
-
Deadly crash in Monroe County
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal crash on Friday evening. Deputies responding to the scene found two cars that had crashed head-on.
Showing up and showing out on the biggest stage in basketball
At every home game, the Pacers Entertainment Teams show their support for the Pacers. Their intricate routines keep the crowd engaged and fired up.
Learning life lessons from the Pacers
One young fan is applying the lessons he's learned from the Pacers in everyday life. That mindset of never being out of the game and never giving up.
The voices of the Pacers create an unforgettable moment in the NBA Finals
Media worlds collided during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Pacers radio announcer Mark Boyle teamed up with TV play-by-play caller Chris Denari during the NBA Finals.
