Obergefell v. Hodges

Definition

Obergefell v. Hodges is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage across the United States. This decision affirmed that state bans on same-sex marriage and refusal to recognize such marriages violated the Fourteenth Amendment, particularly its guarantees of equal protection and due process, thereby reshaping the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ rights and personal autonomy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Obergefell v. Hodges ruling was based on the idea that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violated their fundamental rights to liberty and equality.
2. The case was consolidated from multiple lawsuits challenging state bans on same-sex marriage, with Jim Obergefell as the lead plaintiff from Ohio.
3. In a 5-4 decision, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion, highlighting that marriage is a fundamental right inherent to the liberty of individuals.
4. The ruling significantly advanced the LGBTQ+ rights movement by providing a legal foundation for equality in marriage, leading to greater acceptance and recognition of LGBTQ+ relationships in society.
5. This decision required all states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and recognized valid same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.

Review Questions

• How did the Obergefell v. Hodges decision impact federalism in relation to civil rights?
  • The Obergefell v. Hodges decision highlighted the tension between state laws and federal civil rights protections. By ruling that state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional, the Supreme Court reinforced that individual rights are protected under federal law regardless of state-level legislation. This case established that states could not deny marriage equality, illustrating how federal authority can override state laws when it comes to protecting civil liberties.
• What were the implications of the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity?
  • The Obergefell v. Hodges ruling was a significant milestone in the fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation. By affirming that same-sex couples have the right to marry, it set a precedent that discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is unjustified under the law. This case contributed to a broader societal shift towards recognizing LGBTQ+ rights and inspired further legal challenges against discriminatory practices, strengthening arguments for equal treatment in other areas like employment and housing.
• Analyze how Obergefell v. Hodges relates to the broader evolution of personal autonomy rights in the United States.
  • Obergefell v. Hodges is a critical moment in the evolution of personal autonomy rights as it emphasizes the importance of individual choice in intimate relationships. By establishing that marriage is a fundamental right linked to personal freedom, this case reinforced the notion that individuals should have control over their own lives and relationships without government interference. It serves as part of a broader narrative where courts have increasingly recognized and protected personal autonomy, particularly in contexts involving love, family, and identity.

Related terms

Fourteenth Amendment:

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that provides equal protection under the law and prohibits states from denying any person life, liberty, or property without due process.

LGBTQ+ Rights: A movement advocating for the legal rights and societal acceptance of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and others.

Substantive Due Process:

A constitutional doctrine that protects certain fundamental rights from government interference, ensuring that laws do not infringe upon individual liberties.