Over the years, this blog has frequently been critical of West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito's unwillingness to take a position on a controversial proposal until the issue has been decided. On Wednesday, Capito bucked that tendency and voted for further consideration of the Respect for Marriage Act:

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito was one of 12 Republicans to vote to advance a federal law protecting same-sex and interracial marriages. https://t.co/Z0AEVyCxV9

— Amelia Knisely (@ameliaknisely) November 16, 2022

On her Senate website, Capito explained that the Act:

Recognizes the importance of marriage, acknowledges that diverse beliefs and the people who hold them are due respect, and affirms that couples, including same-sex and interracial couples, deserve the dignity, stability, and ongoing protection of marriage.

Capito is getting considerable criticism online from the religious right for her vote – something she could have easily ducked by voting “no” followed by her usual “I’m waiting until I see the final bill.” Perhaps, her newfound independence is because of the larger role she’ll play in the new Congress. Whatever the reason, it’s good to see her willing to take a stand against the religious right’s intolerance.