HOUSTON, TX (December 13, 2022) – The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce applauds the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act by President Joe Biden. This groundbreaking legislation codifies marriage equality as the law of the land. As a result LGBTQ+ couples will no longer fear that their marriages, and the important protections that come with marriage, will be unjustly stripped from them. Finally, LGBTQ+ families, through the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, have legislation that codifies marriage equality under the law.

“For months now, I have personally feared that my marriage was in jeopardy and having to live with that fear every day is wrong.” said Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “No couple, no family and no community should have to fear that their marriages will be stripped away due to political ideology. Yet, there is still the fear that the Supreme Court will try and take away this fundamental right to marriage. And, unfortunately, I live in a state where our leadership has anything but respect for my marriage. This is the reality that the LGBTQ+ community in Texas faces every day.”

As Americans, equality under the law is fundamental for LGBTQ+ Americans to be treated fairly and equally. LGBTQ+ couples deserve full equality under the law and protections like other couples. However, because of the continued attacks in the form of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, it’s critical that Congress pass the Equality Act to offer additional protections for the LGBTQ+ community.

This legislation means that many members of Congress and the President have stepped up to say that marriage equality for all couples is sacred and must be preserved for all communities. The Chamber applauds the leadership in Congress who were pivotal in taking action to preserve marriage equality. Through this landmark legislation, our country is reminded once again about why leadership matters, why votes matter and why doing the right thing for every community matters.

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About the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) business community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality. Learn more at www.houstonlgbtchamber.com.