PA Rep Votes Against Same-Sex Marriage Protection, Then Attends Gay Son's Wedding

CENTRE COUNTY, PA — A U.S. representative from Pennsylvania attended his gay son's wedding just three days after voting against legislation that, if passed, will federally protect same-sex marriage in the United States, according to a report.

Rep. Glenn Thompson, who represents the state’s 15th congressional district, joined dozens of Republicans last week in voting against the Respect for Marriage Act, which aims to codify federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriage.

The U.S. House overwhelmingly approved the legislation amid concerns that the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade abortion access could jeopardize other rights criticized by many conservatives.

In all, 47 Republicans joined all Democrats in voting for passage.

On Monday, Thompson's son confirmed to NBC News that he "married the love of [his] life" on Friday and that his "father was there."

Maddison Stone, a spokesperson for Thompson, also confirmed the congressman's attendance.

"Congressman and Mrs. Thompson were thrilled to attend and celebrate their son’s marriage on Friday night as he began this new chapter in his life," Stone told NBC News. The Thompsons were "very happy" to welcome their new son-in-law "into their family," Stone continued.

Following last week's vote, Stone released a statement on behalf of Thompson to the Centre Daily Times, calling the Respect for Marriage Act a "messaging stunt" for Democrats.

"This bill was nothing more than an election-year messaging stunt for Democrats in Congress who have failed to address historic inflation and out-of-control prices at gas pumps and grocery stores," the statement read.

Polling shows a majority of Americans favor preserving rights to marry, regardless of sex, gender, race, or ethnicity, a long-building shift in modern mores toward inclusion.

A Gallup poll in June showed broad and increasing support for same-sex marriage, with 70 percent of U.S. adults saying they think such unions should be recognized by law as valid. The poll showed majority support among both Democrats (83 percent) and Republicans (55 percent).

The Associated Press contributed to this report.