Tillis, Burr’s vote to support same-sex marriage results in attacks from right-wing groups

The U.S. Senate passed the Respect for Marriage Act, which federally protects same-sex and interracial marriages, by a 61-36 margin in November. Twelve of those votes came from Republicans, including both of North Carolina’s senators.

While Tillis and Burr have a history of supporting terrible policies, they do deserve recognition for being on the right side of history in this case. Republicans aren’t feeling so charitable, though.

According to The News & Observer, one state lawmaker has called for Tillis to be sanctioned by the NCGOP “for breaking with the state and national Republican Party’s official platforms.”

Highly influential right-wing organizations like the Family Research Council, Heritage Foundation and the NC Values Coalition have denounced the GOP members who supported the bill.

Despite this vote, the NCGOP has proposed bigoted legislation that would erase LGBTQ+ voices from school curriculum, censor educators and intrude on the personal lives of students.

Though this bill is a crucial step toward protecting the freedom and equality of the LGBTQ+ community, more must be done. One positive step would be the passage of legislation like the Equality and Fairness for All Act, which would ensure that we can all have the freedom to thrive without fear of discrimination.

The U.S. House was set to pass the bill on Dec. 6, but a vote was not held. It passed on Thursday morning by a 258 to 169 margin with 39 Republicans joining to vote in favor. The bill was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Dec. 13.