Same-Sex Marriage Protection Bill , Passes US Senate.<br />Reuters reports that the Senate passed <br />the bill by a vote of 61 to 36 on Nov. 29.<br />12 Republicans sided with 49 Democrats <br />to push the legislation through. .<br />Reuters reports that the bill would require the U.S. government to recognize a same-sex marriage <br />"if it was legal in the state in which it was performed.".<br />The measure is intended to safeguard <br />such marriages if the Supreme Court <br />decides to reverse a 2015 ruling. .<br />However, it would not keep individual states from halting same-sex marriages if the Supreme Court overturns the decision.<br />Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement about the bill's passage.<br />Today the long but inexorable march towards greater equality advances forward, Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, via statement.<br />By passing this bill, the Senate is sending a <br />message that every American needs to hear: <br />no matter who you are or who you love, you too <br />deserve dignity and equal treatment under the law, Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, via statement.<br />The House, which passed similar legislation earlier this year, must vote on the bill next.<br />According to the U.S. Census Bureau, <br />America is home to approximately <br />568,000 married same-sex couples.
