Obergefell v. Hodges

Definition

Obergefell v. Hodges is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2015 that established the constitutional right for same-sex couples to marry across the United States. The ruling confirmed that state bans on same-sex marriage violated the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantees of equal protection and due process, marking a significant moment in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and reshaping the legal landscape regarding marriage equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Obergefell v. Hodges ruling was decided on June 26, 2015, with a 5-4 vote by the Supreme Court.
2. The case consolidated several challenges to state bans on same-sex marriage from various states, highlighting the national conflict over marriage equality.
3. Justice Anthony Kennedy authored the majority opinion, emphasizing that marriage is a fundamental right inherent to the liberty of individuals.
4. The decision invalidated state-level bans on same-sex marriage, making it legally recognized nationwide and affecting numerous states that had previously denied marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
5. The ruling was celebrated as a significant victory for LGBTQ+ activists and advocates, marking a pivotal moment in the broader civil rights movement.

Review Questions

• How did Obergefell v. Hodges influence the interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment in relation to same-sex marriage?
  • Obergefell v. Hodges influenced the interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment by reinforcing its provisions regarding equal protection and due process. The Supreme Court found that denying same-sex couples the right to marry was a violation of these constitutional guarantees, as it created unequal treatment under the law based solely on sexual orientation. This interpretation set a precedent for future cases related to LGBTQ+ rights and established that marriage is a fundamental right applicable to all individuals.
• Discuss the impact of Obergefell v. Hodges on state laws concerning marriage equality across the United States.
  • The impact of Obergefell v. Hodges on state laws was profound, as it invalidated all existing state bans on same-sex marriage and mandated that all states recognize marriages performed in other jurisdictions. This landmark ruling led to immediate changes in state legislation and court decisions across the country, effectively standardizing marriage equality in all states. Consequently, many state governments were required to update their laws and practices to comply with this Supreme Court ruling, ensuring that same-sex couples received the same legal recognition and benefits as opposite-sex couples.
• Evaluate how Obergefell v. Hodges fits into the broader narrative of civil rights movements in the United States and its implications for future legal battles over LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Obergefell v. Hodges fits into the broader narrative of civil rights movements as it represents a culmination of decades of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, similar to past struggles for racial and gender equality. The decision not only affirmed marriage equality but also served as a catalyst for continued discussions about discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Its implications extend beyond marriage, influencing future legal battles regarding LGBTQ+ rights in areas such as employment discrimination, healthcare access, and adoption. The ruling set a precedent for considering LGBTQ+ issues within the framework of civil rights protections in American law.

Related terms

Fourteenth Amendment:

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, which played a crucial role in the Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.

Marriage Equality: The state of having the same legal rights and recognition for same-sex couples as opposite-sex couples, a central issue in Obergefell v. Hodges.

LGBTQ+ Rights: The rights and social movements advocating for the legal and social equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minorities, which gained momentum following the Obergefell decision.