Democrats protest, pass bill in defiance of Supreme Court overturning Roe

17 members of Congress were arrested for holding a protest near the Supreme Court as Democrats continue to push back against the Dobbs ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. It was considered an illegal demonstration because protesters blocked the streets outside the Capitol. Police gave them three warnings to move the protest.

35 arrests were made in total. Arrested politicians included Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN).

“I think it’s important to engage in civil disobedience in order to vindicate our fundamental rights. I mean, that’s really been part of every, movement, for basic progress in our country,” Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI) said Tuesday.

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) added, “A lot of people are being arrested here today who have never been arrested before. But we care that much about the lives of so many that are in trouble right now.”

In a different approach to the Dobbs Supreme Court protest, but with a similar motive, the House passed a bill to protect same-sex and interracial marriage. Before the vote, Democrats argued Supreme Court justices could jeopardize other civil rights rulings following the overturning of Roe.

“These radical justices took a wrecking ball to precedent of the court and privacy in the constitution, and placed even more of our cherished freedoms on the chopping block,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said at Tuesday’s vote. “We must act now to defend same sex and interracial marriage from the bigotry and extremism.”

Tuesday’s vote was 267 to 157. Aides for GOP leaders said they did not direct their lawmakers to hold the party line against the bill, wary of political fallout.

A Gallup poll conducted in May showed broad and increasing support for same-sex marriage, with 71% of U.S. adults saying they think such unions should be recognized by law as valid. The poll showed majority support among both Democrats and Republicans. Meanwhile, approval of interracial marriage in the U.S. hit a six-decade high at 94% last year, according to Gallup.

Despite this public sentiment, the bill is still expected to fail in the Senate, with most Republicans likely joining a filibuster to block it.