More than 100 Jewish groups back the bill that would codify same-sex marriage protections into law

More than 100 Jewish groups back the bill that would codify same-sex marriage protections into federal law

Over 100 Jewish organizations are urging the Senate to codify the 2015 Supreme Court decision extending federal protections to same sex marriage.

“The Respect for Marriage Act would ensure that all federal benefits are available to married couples regardless of the state in which they live,” said the statement released Wednesday and spearheaded by the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center and Keshet, a Jewish LGBTQ rights group. “Congress has a responsibility to pursue economic equity for all, regardless of geographical location, and include historically marginalized groups in this pursuit.”

Agudath Israel of America, a haredi Orthodox umbrella body, objected to the proposed law, which has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is now under consideration in the Senate.

Democrats, led by Rep. Jerry Nadler, the Jewish New York Democrat who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, advanced the bill, which was drawn up the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision this summer to reverse its 1973 ruling guaranteeing abortion rights. Democrats fear the ruling could lead to the reversal of other rights, including the right to same sex marriage.

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