Joe Biden on Tuesday signed into law landmark legislation protecting same-sex marriages, hailing it as a step toward building a nation where “decency, dignity and love are recognized, honored and protected”. The signing ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House was an elaborate celebration, with thousands of guests, some waving rainbow flags, and performances by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC, Sam Smith and Cyndi Lauper. “The road to this moment has been long, but those who believe in equality and justice, you never gave up,” Biden said in remarks, before signing the Respect for Marriage Act. He added: “This law and the love it defends strikes a blow against hate in all its forms.”