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What the Respect for Marriage Act means for same-sex marriages in Arizona

The U.S. House passed the Respect for Marriage Act 258-169 on Thursday, and the Senate approved it last week with a bipartisan 61-35 vote.

The measure codifies protections for same-sex marriage into law, while also including some religious freedom provisions. And it comes in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade; in his concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas suggested the high court’s decision allowing same-sex marriage should also be overturned.

So, what does this new bill actually do and what does it mean for couples in Arizona? 

To learn about that, The Show spoke with Stefanie Lindquist, a professor of law and political science at Arizona State University and executive director of the Center for Constitutional Design at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

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Mark Brodie is a co-host of The Show, KJZZ’s locally produced news magazine. Since starting at KJZZ in 2002, Brodie has been a host, reporter and producer, including several years covering the Arizona Legislature, based at the Capitol.