The United States Senate has passed the Respect for Marriage Act in 61-36 vote on Tuesday.

The legislation has been billed as necessary to protect same-sex marriage from future Supreme Court rulings, and some have suggested interracial marriage is also in danger. Proponents of the act say both need codified special federal protection.

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy dubbed the measure a threat to “the country’s commitment to the fundamental right of religious liberty.”

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy says he agrees with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which says the Respect For Marriage Act would "betray our country’s commitment to the fundamental right of religious liberty.” pic.twitter.com/ZbJIOytynJ

— Jordan Boyd (@jordanboydtx) November 29, 2022

Twelve Republicans originally voted to advance the Respect for Marriage Act on Monday, before Tuesday’s passage:

1. Roy Blunt, MO
2. Richard Burr, NC
3. Shelley Moore Capito, WV
4. Susan Collins, ME
5. Joni Ernst, IA
6. Cynthia Lummis, WY
7. Lisa Murkowski, AK
8. Rob Portman, OH
9. Mitt Romney, UT
10. Dan Sullivan, AK
11. Thom Tillis, NC
12. Todd Young, IN

The legislation will return to the House for a final vote.