Pittsburghers react to Congress debating bill to protect same-sex marriage

PITTSBURGH — The people we talked to are scared and concerned about what happens if Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court case that legalized gay marriage nationwide, is also overturned like Roe v. Wade.

“It does make me nervous. I would like to get married, and I would like to have a family. If that’s something that gets taken away, then we’re back to ground level,” said Aaron Valentic.

Aaron Valentic works as a case manager for the central outreach wellness center. He tells Channel 11 that after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, he feared same-sex marriage would be next on the chopping block.

“People who are in my friend group are very intimidated to see how this is going to turn out that are in fact married,” said Valentic.

“I recently just got engaged to my fiance, who is also transgender. I need this bill to pass,” said Blair Fabre.

This week the U.S. House passed the Respect for Marriage Act, and now it heads to the Senate, where it will need at least 60 votes.

Supporters say this will add more protection for married couples of the same sex, interracial marriage along with enshrining it into federal law.

“I know a lot of people in that same boat where they just want to marry someone and just want to love. We should be free to do,” she said.

Pennsylvania senator Bob Casey agrees. He tweeted his support, saying “Every American has the right to marry who they love.” Meanwhile, Senator Pat Toomey has reportedly remained undecided.

“To me, it’s simple. Love is love. And you can’t control who you love. It’s a natural part of life,” said Valentic.

The bill now heads to the Senate where it needs 60 votes.

This means the bill will need 10 Republican senators to cross party lines.

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