Obergefell v. Hodges

Definition

Obergefell v. Hodges is a landmark 2015 Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage across the United States, ruling that state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment. This decision marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights and has had profound implications for the global movement advocating for equality and recognition of diverse sexual orientations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Obergefell v. Hodges decision was based on the principles of equal protection and due process, affirming that same-sex couples have the right to marry just like heterosexual couples.
2. The ruling effectively overturned previous state laws that had banned same-sex marriage, creating a nationwide standard for marriage equality in the United States.
3. This case brought national attention to LGBTQ+ rights and mobilized advocates and supporters to push for further legislative changes in favor of equality.
4. The decision was reached with a 5-4 majority in the Supreme Court, showcasing a divided opinion among justices on issues related to marriage and individual rights.
5. Obergefell v. Hodges has inspired similar movements globally, encouraging countries around the world to reconsider their laws regarding same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights.

Review Questions

• How did Obergefell v. Hodges impact the legal status of same-sex marriage in the United States?
  • Obergefell v. Hodges directly impacted the legal status of same-sex marriage by declaring state bans on such marriages unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment. This landmark ruling established that same-sex couples have the same legal rights to marry as opposite-sex couples, thus legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. The decision represented a major milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, solidifying the recognition of diverse relationships under U.S. law.
• What were the constitutional arguments presented in Obergefell v. Hodges that led to its outcome?
  • In Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court primarily relied on two key constitutional principles: equal protection and due process as enshrined in the Fourteenth Amendment. The plaintiffs argued that state bans on same-sex marriage denied them equal protection under the law, discriminating against them based on sexual orientation. Additionally, the court held that marriage is a fundamental right inherent to individual autonomy, which should not be restricted by state laws based on gender.
• Evaluate how the ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges has influenced global perspectives on LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.
  • The ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges has had significant influence beyond U.S. borders by energizing global conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality. This decision has provided a powerful legal precedent for advocates worldwide seeking similar recognition and protections for same-sex relationships. Countries observing the U.S.'s progressive stance have been prompted to reconsider their own laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights, leading to increased advocacy efforts and legislative changes aimed at achieving greater equality in various regions.

Related terms

Same-Sex Marriage: The legal recognition of marriage between two individuals of the same sex, which has gained increasing acceptance and legality in many countries around the world.

Fourteenth Amendment: An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that grants citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, which was central to the Court's reasoning in Obergefell v. Hodges.

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 and gender identities.