Obergefell v. Hodges

Marriage rally (18997214650)

Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015), is a landmark United States Supreme Court case in which the Court held that the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution requires all states to grant same-sex marriages and recognize those marriages performed in other jurisdictions. This decision effectively legalized same-sex marriage throughout the United States, marking a significant victory for LGBT rights.

Background

The case originated from several lawsuits filed by same-sex couples, who argued that state statutes banning same-sex marriage or refusing to recognize such marriages lawfully performed in other jurisdictions violated the Constitution. These cases were consolidated under the title Obergefell v. Hodges, with James Obergefell, who sought recognition on his spouse's death certificate of their marriage performed in Maryland, as the lead plaintiff. Richard Hodges was the Director of the Ohio Department of Health, the defendant in the case.

Supreme Court Decision

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court delivered a 5-4 decision in favor of Obergefell. The majority opinion, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, held that the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee the right to marry as a fundamental liberty, and this right extends to same-sex couples. The Court's decision required all states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and to recognize same-sex marriages validly performed in other jurisdictions.

Implications

The ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges had profound implications for gay rights and the legal landscape of the United States. It invalidated all state bans on same-sex marriage, leading to an immediate and nationwide expansion of marriage rights to same-sex couples. The decision also had implications for a wide range of legal and social issues, from adoption and parenting rights to employment and housing protections.

Reactions

The decision was celebrated by supporters of LGBT rights and many political and social leaders as a historic step towards equality. However, it also faced criticism and opposition from some political, religious, and social groups who argued that it infringed on states' rights and religious freedoms.

Legacy

Obergefell v. Hodges is considered a landmark ruling in the history of the Supreme Court and a major milestone in the struggle for LGBT rights in the United States. It has been compared to other landmark cases such as Loving v. Virginia, which invalidated laws prohibiting interracial marriage. The decision has been cited in numerous subsequent legal arguments and decisions related to rights and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.