Washington — The Senate on Tuesday night approved historic legislation that provides federal protections for same-sex marriages, moving the measure closer to President Biden's desk for his signature in the final weeks of the Democratic-controlled Congress.It will also ensure that, for generations to follow, LGBTQI+ youth will grow up knowing that they, too, can lead full, happy lives and build families of their own."The Respect for Marriage Act was introduced after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in June, unraveling the constitutional right to an abortion.Concerned that other Supreme Court decisions, including those that protected the right to same-sex marriage, could be in jeopardy, Democrats moved to enshrine the right to marriage equality into federal law.The passage of the bill by both chambers of Congress demonstrates the significant shift in views on same-sex marriage, with support from Americans reaching a record high last year, according to a June 2021 poll from Gallup."