12 Senate Republicans vote to redefine marriage

A dozen Republican senators sided with all Democrats on Wednesday to move the Respect for Marriage Act forward. The bill could come up for a final vote later this month. It aims to enshrine same-sex marriage in U.S. federal law.

Why are Republicans voting for this? Three Republican senators—Susan Collins of Maine, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and Rob Portman of Ohio—have supported the legislation since it passed this summer in the House. They worked to convince others in their party, as well. A bipartisan amendment to the bill was proposed to bring more Republicans on board. It clarifies that the measure does not change the religious and free speech rights of private individuals or businesses.

Dig deeper: Read R. Albert Mohler Jr.’s column for WORLD Opinions about the legislation.