TAMPA, Fla — Many Tampa Bay residents are celebrating after President Biden signed into law the 'Respect For Marriage Act' which protects same-sex and interracial marriages.

Terry and Colin Hale-Mcphee happened to be celebrating their marriage just as the legislation was being passed.

“We wanted to be a family just like everybody else,” said Terry. The newly weds met a year ago and said planning a wedding on the heels of the reversal of Roe vs. Wade created a lot of uncertainty.

They say the LGBTQ community feared the right to same-sex marriages would also be reversed by the Supreme Court. “We were looking at second countries where we thought we would feel safe,” said Colin. 

The new law is intended to safeguard gay marriages if the U.S. Supreme Court ever reverses Obergefell v. Hodges, its 2015 decision legalizing same-sex unions nationwide.

The bi-partisan bill has offered the couple some reprieve. The law not only protects same-sex and interracial marriages, but requires states to recognize unions performed elsewhere in the country.

“Growing up, I never thought I would have this right,” added Terry. “It makes a huge difference for not just us, but the future.” The couple feels the new law will provide a safety net; whether they are in Saint Petersburg or anywhere in the country. “This was a major step to protect the rights of everybody to love who you love,” added Colin. 

He and his husband’s love and union are now recognized and forever etched in history.