Dear neighbor, 

I’ve said this a lot recently, but this week truly has been another busy one. On Thursday, the House of Representatives took a huge step in the fight for marriage equality by passing my bill with Congressman Jerry Nadler to protect the right of same-sex and interracial couples to get married. Now, the legislation is headed to President Biden’s desk for his signature so it can become law.

I want to take a moment to reflect on what this accomplishment has meant to me, what it means for thousands of people in New York’s 17th Congressional District, and what it means for millions of people throughout our nation.

Rep. Jones at the bill enrollment ceremony for the Respect for Marriage Act

When I was elected to Congress, I became the first openly gay, Black member to ever serve. Growing up closeted, I never imagined we would see the kind of progress that would lead Congress to pass a bill like the Respect for Marriage Act, or that I would be in the position to introduce this legislation. 

In 1996, I was too young to remember Congress passing the discriminatory, misleadingly titled Defense of Marriage Act, but I know exactly where I was when the Supreme Court struck it down in United States v. Windsor. I had just graduated law school and I was studying for the bar exam. At the time, because of moderates like Justice Kennedy, I still had faith that the Supreme Court was committed to protecting my basic civil rights as a gay person.

That was a different Supreme Court than the one we have today. The far-right supermajority on the Court is on a rampage against fundamental rights. As members of the LGBTQ community prepare to face the worst assault on our rights in a decade, Congress must do whatever it takes to protect our humanity.

The Respect for Marriage Act is a great first step. It ensures that the federal government will not discriminate against same-sex and interracial couples who have been legally married under state law. This will positively impact millions of Americans, including thousands right here in Rockland and Westchester Counties.

Yesterday, we sent a clear and powerful message to every same-sex and interracial couple who calls this country home: we see you, you are loved, and you matter. Your right to love openly and proudly is recognized by your government. And in Rockland and Westchester, by your Congressman.

Yet there is still more work to do. Congress must also pass a bill to ensure that same-sex and interracial couples can get married in every state, and the Senate should pass the Equality Act to ensure equal treatment under the law for LGBTQ persons—in every aspect of the law.

As one of only nine openly gay members in the House, I’ve worked tirelessly to be a leading voice in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. At the height of the monkeypox outbreak last summer, I called on the Biden administration to coordinate a swift, equitable response while working against harmful anti-LGBTQ stereotypes. I also secured $1.5 million in funding for the Rockland Pride Center to build the first LGBTQ-affirming community health clinic in the Hudson Valley and provide vital health and support services to LGBTQ individuals in and around New York’s 17th Congressional District.

We’ve made so much progress these past two years, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished. The road ahead is long, but the fight continues. 

Sincerely,