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Yesterday evening, the U.S. Senate passed the so-called “Respect for Marriage Act,” which would repeal the definition of marriage in federal law as the union of one man and one woman, and weaponize the LGBTQ agenda against people of faith who hold to a Biblical definition of marriage.

As a result of the significant concern that arose at the implications of this bill, three amendments were proposed by Republican Senators Mike Lee of Utah, James Lankford of Oklahoma, and Marco Rubio of Florida. Each of these took significant steps towards protecting religious liberty, but unfortunately all three failed to get the necessary votes.

Ultimately, all 12 GOP senators who voted earlier this month to advance the bill voted in the affirmative Monday. This list includes both of North Carolina’s Senators, Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, along with Susan Collins (Maine), Rob Portman (Ohio), Mitt Romney (Utah), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Roy Blunt (Mo.), Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.), Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), Dan Sullivan (Alaska), Joni Ernst (Iowa), and Todd Young (Ind.).

While Tillis and Burr both voted for the amendments, they ultimately still voted to pass the bill. 

In the remarks Senator Lee made before the vote on his proposed amendment, he said, “How we proceed today will do nothing to the status quo of same-sex marriage in this country. It’s legal and will remain legal regardless of the outcome of this legislation. It will, however, if enacted, have profound consequences for people of faith.”

If the bill is approved by the House, it will then be sent to President Biden, who is expected to sign the bill into law.