Marriage Equality Bill Could Pass Senate Despite Some GOP Opposition
There is still hope that Democrats can convince ten Republican senators to join them in codifying marriage equality, even though two Republicans once considered amenable to voting for it have come out against it.Four Republicans have so far said they will support the measure: sponsors Susan Collins of Maine and Ohio’s Rob Portman; Sen.
Thom Tillis from North Carolina, who said he's a probable vote; and Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.Johnson said in a statement Thursday, "Even though I feel the Respect for Marriage Act is unnecessary, should it come before the Senate, I see no reason to oppose it," according to CNN.In addition, Alaska’s Sen.
Lisa Murkowski says she generally supports the measure but is reviewing the proposed bill. “I have long made known public my support for marriage equality,” she said, the Hill reports.
Despite polls showing the majority of Republicans support same-sex marriage and the measure passing with 47 Republican votes in the House, Senate Republicans are mostly keeping their distance from the Respect for Marriage Act.Eight to 10 Republicans are also possible yes votes, according to the Hill.The two GOP senators who were once seen as possible supporters of the legislation, Sens.
