Houlahan, Chesco Democrat, Celebrates Passage Of Respect For Marriage

WASHINGTON, D.C — U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat, Thursday shared a letter she wrote to her daughter, Molly, after voting to pass the Respect for Marriage Act.

The bill, requires states to honor same sex and interracial marriages from other states, goes to President Biden’s desk for a signature.

It passed the House earlier Thursday with a bipartisan vote of 258 to 169. On Nov. 29, it passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 61-36.

In the letter to her daughter, Houlahan wrote that when the family decided to support her run for Congress in 2018, she promised to do something good with that generosity to help the entire LGBTQ+ community.

Two months ago, Molly married her partner, Kristen, in a backyard wedding.

“I am so proud to be able to join so many of my colleagues today to vote for the Respect for Marriage Act, so you and your Kristen, and so many others, can be free to love who you love,” Houlahan wrote.

Houlahan, who represents all of Chester County and portions of Berks County, is an active member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.

The caucus’ mission is to serve “as a resource for members of Congress, their staff, and the public on LGBTQ+ issues at the federal level."

The caucus works toward the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well-being for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.