Past remarks on LGBTQ issues and same-sex marriage made by Jeffrey R. Holland, an elder with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have some students upset about the university's choice.
“This law and the love it defends strike a blow against hate in all its forms,” Biden said Tuesday on the South Lawn of the White House. “And that’s why this law matters to every single American.”
The final 258-169-1 House vote on the Respect for Marriage Act sends the legislation to President Joe Biden, a monumental step in a decadeslong battle for nationwide recognition of such unions.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the legislation is “a long time coming” and part of America’s “difficult but inexorable march towards greater equality.”
Twelve Republicans voted with all Democrats to move forward on the legislation, meaning a final vote could come as soon as this week, or later this month.
The church's statement said doctrine would continue to consider same-sex relationships against God’s commandments. Yet it would support rights for same-sex couples as long as they don't infringe on religious groups’ right to believe as they choose.