FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Respect for Marriage Act, which is on the verge of becoming federal law, is alleviating some of the concern same-sex couples have felt in recent months. But, legal experts and LGBTQ advocates warn, it’s not a panacea and it isn’t time to pop the champagne corks.
“I’m sort of divided. There’s certainly a part of me that sees this as a win,” said Todd Delmay, whose marriage to husband, Jeff, was one of the first two same-sex marriages legally performed in Florida. “I do see this as a positive step. I don’t think we should celebrate too much.”
The legislation would put protections for same-sex and interracial marriages in federal law, something that’s been hailed as a major achievement by many Democratic and some Republican elected officials — and vehemently opposed by others.
