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Dec. 9, 2022, 3:19 p.m.

Lawmakers pass landmark legislation aimed at protecting same-sex marriages

Summary

Congress gave final approval to a bill requiring all states to recognize same-sex and interracial marriages. It passed the House with nearly 40 Republicans joining Democrats in support. On the floor, arguments focused on protecting marriage rights against a conservative Supreme Court versus protecting religious freedoms. Kate Sosin, a reporter for The 19th, joins Lisa Desjardins to discuss. For a transcript, click here .

Five Facts

  • Who has expressed interest in overturning the Supreme Court ruling that led to protections for same-sex marriage?
  • Why is this law being passed now?
  • What were some of the objections to this bill?
  • When did same-sex marriage become legal across the country?
  • How else will the law described in this story shape federal protections for marriage?

Focus Questions

What do you think will be the most important or consequential aspect of the new law, based on this story? Media literacy: Who else would you want to hear from to understand why many were pushing for this new law now?

For More

What students can do: While Congress passed this new law with bipartisan support, the Supreme Court continues to consider cases that weigh gay rights against religious rights and privileges. Watch the video on a case heard by the Court this week below. Daily news lesson for the video here .

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