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Same-sex marriage bill passes Senate; lawmakers reject GOP religious liberty amendments

Bipartisan legislation to codify same-sex marriage under federal law passed the Senate on Tuesday with the help of a dozen Republicans, capping off months of negotiations between both parties over how to address religious liberty concerns.

The bill, named the Respect for Marriage Act, narrowly cleared the chamber 61-36, one more than the 60 votes required to break a filibuster.

The landmark measure now heads to the Democratic-led House, where it’s expected to pass next Tuesday before heading to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, whose daughter is married to a woman and is about to have a child, lauded its passage.