Rep. Burgess Owens votes "present" for Respect for Marriage Act

• Of note: A "present" vote does not count towards the passage of a bill and signals a lawmaker isn't taking sides on the legislation.

The latest: The rest of Utah's congressional delegation, Reps. Chris Stewart, Blake Moore and John Curtis, voted to pass the legislation.

• Sen. Mitt Romney supported the bill after religious protections were added to the amended version. Sen. Mike Lee was against it.

What they're saying: "While today is undoubtedly a giant step toward religious liberty, my lone 'present' vote signals a warning beacon that the war is far from won," Owens said in a statement, citing insufficient religious protections in the bill.

• "Religious freedom cannot prevail until and unless individuals and small business owners practicing their sincere religious beliefs have explicit protection under the law."

Flashback: In July, all of Utah's congressmen, including Owens, voted in favor of the bill.

What's next: President Joe Biden is soon expected to sign the bill into law.