On Tuesday (12.13,) Cyndi Lauper joined the White House press briefing to express her gratitude to Joe Biden and his administration for passing the Respect for Marriage Act legislation amidst potential restrictions by the Supreme Court, regarding same-sex and interracial couples.
The superstar singer/songwriter said “I wanted to say thank you to President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Vice President Harris, and all the advocates on his team.” “For once, our families — mine and a lot of my friends and people you know, sometimes your neighbors — we can rest easy tonight because our families are validated.” “Now we’re allowed to love who we love — which sounds odd to say — but Americans can now love who we love.” “Bless Joe Biden, and all the people that worked on this, for allowing people not to worry and their children not to worry about their future.”
President Biden added “Today is a good day.” “A day America takes a vital step toward equality, for liberty and justice, not just for some, but for everyone. Toward creating a nation where decency, dignity and love are recognized, honored, and protected.” “We’re here today to celebrate their courage and everyone who made the day possible.” “Courage that led to progress we’ve seen over the decades, progress that gives us hope that every generation will continue on our journey toward a more perfect union.”
The Respect for Marriage Act repeals the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which only recognized marriage between a man and woman. It was trumped by the Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, which established same-sex marriage as a 14th Amendment right. Now, states are required to recognize all marriages across state lines and provide same-sex couples the same federal benefits as any married couple.
In support of the President signing the act into law, Lauper delivered a special performance of “True Colors” and Sam Smith sung “Stay With Me.” For much of her career, Cyndi’a been a notable LGBTQ+ rights advocate, having also founded the nonprofit organization True Colors Fund in 2008 to expand education on LGBTQ+ issues and help to end homelessness for LGBTQ+ youth.
With survivors of the recent Colorado Springs Club Q shooting and the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in attendance, Biden added: “We need to challenge the hundreds of callous, cynical laws introduced in the states targeting transgender children, terrifying families, and criminalizing doctors who give children the care they need. We have to protect these children so they know they’re loved and we will stand up for them.” “Folks: Racism, anti-semitism, homophobia, transphobia are all connected. But the antidote to hate is love… This law matters to every single American, no matter who you are or who you love.”
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Bastique