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In late November, the Senate passed the Respect For Marriage Act. This bill provides nationwide protections for same-sex marriages and interracial marriages.

Lawmakers began working on the Respect for Marriage Act after remarks from Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, following the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

Thomas' remarks specifically called for a review of other Supreme Court rulings, like Obergefell v. Hodges, that most Americans viewed as established, settled law.

Therefore, the Respect For Marriage Act codifies protections for gay and interracial couples into federal law. In the event that Obergefell v. Hodges does fall like Roe v. Wade did, the rights these couples have enjoyed thus far won't change.

Earlier today, the House of Representatives joined the Senate in passing the Respect For Marriage Act.

What to know about the bill's success in the House

39 House GOP members stood with all House Democrats in voting in favor of the Respect For Marriage Act.

Since the legislation passed the House, it will now go to Joe Biden's desk for an official signature. Already, the president has been clear that he intends to sign the Respect For Marriage Act into law.

With the success of the Respect For Marriage Act, the Defense of Marriage Act passed in 1996 is abolished.

Under the Defense of Marriage Act, states had leeway not to acknowledge same-sex marriages that occurred in other states. The 1996 bill furthermore barred gay couples from accessing federal benefits.

The general consensus on same-sex marriage

According to a Pew Research poll conducted just last month, 61% of Americans favor the legalization of gay marriage. Only 37% of Americans stated the legalization of marriage equality is a negative force in society.

Pew Research findings also discovered that while 80% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters back same-sex marriage, support amongst Republicans remains primarily split.

GOP members and voters who lean toward the GOP showed 43% support for same-sex marriage; whereas 55% oppose it.

However, Republicans with more moderate leanings remain likelier to support gay marriage, with 62% of this base in favor. On the other hand, 66% of Republicans with strong conservative leanings oppose same-sex marriage.

Women, young voters, and voters with post-graduate degrees also showed more support for same-sex marriage than their counterparts.