Obergefell v. Hodges

Definition

Obergefell v. Hodges is a landmark 2015 Supreme Court case that ruled that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right under the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses. This decision built on the principles established by the 14th Amendment, emphasizing individual rights and equality under the law, and significantly expanded civil rights for LGBTQ+ individuals across the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Obergefell v. Hodges case consolidated several challenges to state bans on same-sex marriage from multiple states, including Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
2. The Supreme Court's decision was delivered by Justice Anthony Kennedy, who has been pivotal in many landmark cases involving LGBTQ+ rights.
3. The ruling determined that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violated both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment.
4. The decision marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights activists, affirming that marriage is a fundamental right that cannot be denied based on sexual orientation.
5. As a result of this ruling, all states were required to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and recognize their marriages performed in other jurisdictions.

Review Questions

• How did Obergefell v. Hodges utilize the principles of the Fourteenth Amendment to support its ruling?
  • Obergefell v. Hodges directly referenced the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses to argue that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right. The court found that states' bans on same-sex marriage denied individuals their right to marry, which is protected under due process. Additionally, it highlighted that such bans were discriminatory and thus violated the principle of equal protection under the law, reinforcing that all citizens deserve the same legal recognition regardless of sexual orientation.
• Discuss how Obergefell v. Hodges impacts civil rights beyond just marriage equality.
  • The Obergefell v. Hodges ruling not only legalized same-sex marriage but also set a precedent for expanding civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in other areas, such as employment and housing. By establishing marriage as a fundamental right tied to individual liberty and equality, it reinforced arguments for non-discrimination laws. The decision has encouraged further legal challenges against discriminatory practices, prompting broader discussions about human rights protections for LGBTQ+ people across various sectors.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Obergefell v. Hodges on American society and legal frameworks regarding equality.
  • The long-term implications of Obergefell v. Hodges extend deeply into American society and its legal frameworks concerning equality. This landmark ruling has catalyzed further advancements in LGBTQ+ rights and inspired ongoing advocacy for comprehensive anti-discrimination protections at both state and federal levels. It has shaped public opinion, fostering greater acceptance of diverse sexual orientations while also facing backlash from certain groups advocating for traditional definitions of marriage. The case fundamentally altered the landscape of civil rights in America, positioning equality as an evolving principle that continues to inspire legislative and social change.

Related terms

Fourteenth Amendment:

The amendment to the U.S. Constitution that grants citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and is foundational in civil rights cases.

Equal Protection Clause: A section of the Fourteenth Amendment that prohibits states from denying any person within its jurisdiction equal protection of the laws, serving as a key legal basis for many civil rights cases.

Same-Sex Marriage: The legal union of two individuals of the same sex, which became recognized nationwide in the United States following the Obergefell v. Hodges decision.