Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Will They Pass It?

Marriage equality is on the Senate's table and the Democrats will vote for it but the question is will there be any crossover votes?

Same-sex marriage faces Senate test with GOP votes uncertain
AP News
By Mary Clare Jalonick
November 16, 2022


Staring down the prospect of divided government in the next Congress, Senate Democrats are moving forward with legislation this week to protect same sex and interracial marriages. It’s a vote that’s “as personal as it gets,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday.

Schumer is holding a test vote on the bill Wednesday, betting that at least 10 Republicans will vote with all 50 Democrats to move forward with the legislation to ensure that same-sex and interracial marriages are legally recognized nationwide. The bill has gained steady momentum since the Supreme Court’s June decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and the federal right to an abortion. An opinion at that time from Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that an earlier high court decision protecting same-sex marriage could also come under threat.

However all is not rosy, there is the filibuster in the Senate that could derail the bill.

Still, it’s not yet certain whether Democrats have the 10 votes they need to overcome a filibuster on Wednesday and get a bill through the 50-50 Senate. So far, at least three Republicans have said they will vote for the legislation and are working with Democrats to pass it: Maine Sen. Susan Collins, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis and Ohio Sen. Rob Portman.

Most Republicans have stayed quiet on whether they will support it, but those pushing the bill say they believe the 10 GOP votes are there. Democrats delayed consideration of the legislation until after the midterm elections, hoping that would relieve political pressure for some Republicans who might be wavering on the bill.

I think the vote should be interesting in that we see if the Republicans stay with their anti-LGBTQ+ views or will there be enough brave Republicans that will step over aisle to support marriage? Will they see the handwriting on the wall from the past elections?

Stay tuned to the “Same bat Time. Same bat channel” for the thrilling vote in the Senate.

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