Obergefell v. Hodges

Definition

Obergefell v. Hodges was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage across the United States. The ruling affirmed that state bans on same-sex marriage violated the Constitution's guarantees of equal protection and due process, marking a significant shift in the legal landscape regarding LGBTQ+ rights and reflecting changing societal attitudes towards sexuality and gender expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Obergefell v. Hodges decision was announced on June 26, 2015, with a 5-4 vote by the Supreme Court.
2. The case consolidated multiple challenges to state bans on same-sex marriage from several states, including Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
3. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion, emphasizing the importance of marriage as a fundamental right and its role in individual dignity.
4. The ruling not only legalized same-sex marriage but also reinforced existing legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals against discrimination.
5. Obergefell v. Hodges is considered a pivotal moment in American history that reflects broader cultural shifts towards greater acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

Review Questions

• How did Obergefell v. Hodges change the legal status of same-sex marriage in the United States?
  • Obergefell v. Hodges fundamentally changed the legal status of same-sex marriage by declaring that state bans on such marriages were unconstitutional. The Supreme Court ruled that these bans violated the Equal Protection Clause and Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. As a result, same-sex marriage became legal across all states, providing LGBTQ+ couples with the same legal rights and recognition as heterosexual couples.
• Discuss the implications of the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling for LGBTQ+ rights beyond marriage equality.
  • The implications of Obergefell v. Hodges extend beyond marriage equality, as it set a significant precedent for future cases related to LGBTQ+ rights. The ruling underscored the importance of equal treatment under the law for all individuals, reinforcing protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This decision has influenced legislative efforts and judicial rulings aimed at ensuring comprehensive protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in various aspects of life, including employment, housing, and healthcare.
• Evaluate how Obergefell v. Hodges reflects changing societal attitudes towards sexuality and gender expression in contemporary America.
  • Obergefell v. Hodges is a clear reflection of changing societal attitudes towards sexuality and gender expression in contemporary America. The Supreme Court's decision came at a time when public opinion had shifted significantly in favor of same-sex marriage, indicating broader acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. This case illustrated how social movements advocating for equal rights had successfully influenced both public perception and legal frameworks, marking a turning point in American culture where diverse sexual orientations were increasingly recognized and celebrated.

Related terms

Same-Sex Marriage: The legal union of two individuals of the same sex, recognized by law and granting them similar rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples.

Equal Protection Clause: A provision in the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits states from denying any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: A social and political movement advocating for the rights and acceptance of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual orientations or gender identities.