President Joe Biden’s signature on December 13, 2022 solidified the ability for citizens to have the right to same-sex and interracial marriages. After Roe vs. Wade was overturned, many were concerned about what would be next for the United States. Roe vs. Wade was a federal case that gave women the right to abortions; however, this was overturned on June 24, 2022, and this took away federal legal protection for women and the right for them to have a choice about decisions with their body.  Therefore, when this act was passed and for same-sex and interracial marriages became protected, it brought joy to many, as well as hope for a step in the right direction for our country. A message needs to be sent to the United States that “love is love.”

The Marriage Act replaced the original “Defense of Marriage Act,” which was signed by Bill Clinton in 1996, which prevented same-sex marriages. At the time, marriage was only legal between a man and a woman. Because of this, many pondered the question, “how is same-sex marriages harming other individuals?” Although many citizens were convinced the change would ever be made, June 26, 2015 proved the country wrong and became a historic day in America’s history. The United States Supreme Court granted all citizens across the country the right to have a legal marriage with the same gender. 

This brought freedom to citizens, as well as, hope for a better future. President Barack Obama, who approved this act, commented on the act being put in place by saying, “this ruling will strengthen all of our communities by offering to all loving same-sex couples the dignity of marriage across this great land.” Therefore, we need to learn as a country to accept others no matter what race, identity, sexual preferences, etc. This is how we create a better future for future generations and stand together no matter the circumstances. One does not have to like or agree with another person’s choices, but it is important to be accepting and encourage others to do the same; this is the only way to create change. Again, “love is love.”