By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11
White House on the day of signing.
On Thursday, December 8th, the House passed legislation that would enshrine federal protection for same-sex and interracial marriages. First securing a 258-169 victory, the Respect for Marriage Act then progressed through the senate with a 61-36 count. President Biden signed the legislation into law during a ceremony on Tuesday, December 13th, featuring the first lady Jill Biden, first lady Jill Biden, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Among the champions of this bill are Ken Mehlman, Franklin & Marshall '85, and Ted Olson, U of the Pacific '61.
Ken Mehlman.
Xi-chapter alumni, Mehlman has had an extensive career within the Republican Party and came out as gay in 2010. Having served as President George W. Bush’s campaign manager in 2004 and as chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2005-2007, Mehlman has established himself as a prominent figure in the party and as an outspoken advocate for gay rights. The effort to gather the Republican votes needed to pass this legislation involved flooding the phone lines of Republican senators with calls from constituents in favor of the same-sex marriage measure, presenting them with polling data that showed voters were more likely to support a candidate who endorsed this bill. The effort was a resounding success as 47 Republicans joined in supporting the bill as it initially passed through the House. Mehlman, working with Centerline Action, a centrist nonprofit, were able to commission the polling in nine states where they identified Republican senators who could be persuaded to support the Respect for Marriage Act—directly influencing the eventual passing of this legislation through the Senate. At least one Senator from each state polled voted in favor of the bill, helping to reach the ten Republican votes needed to pass.
Ted Olson.
Mehlman’s further efforts to pass this bill called for the assistance of fellow Phi Tau, Ted Olson. Olson was a United States Assistant Attorney General from 1981–1984, under President Ronald Reagan, and United States Solicitor General from 2001–2004, under President George W. Bush. The duo published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal calling on the Senate to support the bill and stated, “as conservatives we should promote freedom and limited government. That includes supporting American citizens’ freedom to marry the person they love.” With countless members of our organization identifying as LGBTQIA+, these two brothers are working to secure freedoms and equal rights for not only our brotherhood, but for citizens across the country.