The bill’s signing comes as Democrats and LGBTQ advocates have expressed growing fear over the possibility that the landmark 2015 Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges—which legalized gay marriage nationwide—could be overturned following the Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade earlier this year.
The Respect for Marriage Act does not require states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but it does require states that ban same-sex marriages to recognize these marriages as long as the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed.
As Republican lawmakers and right-wing media figures have singled out the LGBTQ community with hateful rhetoric, children’s hospitals have faced bomb threats, armed extremist groups have targeted drag-related events, and LGBTQ individuals have been assaulted and now murdered in a mass shooting that left five dead.
Kari Lake's comments condemning drag queens were quickly criticized by one of the most popular drag performers in Phoenix, who says Lake is a hypocrite who frequented his performances.
US Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona is among those pushing the FDA to remove restrictions and prohibitions preventing gay and bisexual men from donating blood.
The recent Arizona Gay Rodeo at the Corona Ranch and Rodeo Grounds highlighted an event and a community determined to provide a safe space for anyone interested in participating in western activities.