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 14th Amendment's guarantees of equal protection and due process. This decision fundamentally transformed the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, ensuring that same-sex couples could marry and have their marriages recognized nationwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Obergefell v. Hodges decision was delivered on June 26, 2015, with a 5-4 vote by the Supreme Court.
2. The ruling effectively legalized same-sex marriage across all 50 states, invalidating state-level bans on same-sex marriage.
3. The case was brought forth by James Obergefell, who sought to have his marriage to his partner, John Arthur, recognized after Arthur's death.
4. The decision emphasized that denying same-sex couples the right to marry would cause them harm and deny them dignity.
5. Obergefell v. Hodges set a precedent for future cases related to LGBTQ+ rights, strengthening protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Review Questions

• How did Obergefell v. Hodges impact the legal status of same-sex marriage in the United States?
  • Obergefell v. Hodges had a profound impact on the legal status of same-sex marriage by ruling that it is a constitutional right protected by the 14th Amendment. This landmark decision overturned all existing state bans on same-sex marriage, ensuring that same-sex couples had the same legal recognition and benefits as opposite-sex couples. As a result, the ruling established marriage equality as a fundamental civil right across the nation.
• Discuss the role of the 14th Amendment in the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.
  • The Supreme Court relied heavily on the 14th Amendment in its ruling for Obergefell v. Hodges, particularly its clauses regarding equal protection and due process. The majority opinion argued that denying same-sex couples the right to marry constituted a violation of their equal protection under the law, as it treated them differently than opposite-sex couples without sufficient justification. By affirming that marriage is a fundamental right, the Court emphasized that all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, are entitled to the same legal protections.
• Evaluate how Obergefell v. Hodges has influenced subsequent legislation and societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Obergefell v. Hodges has significantly influenced subsequent legislation and societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights by establishing a clear legal foundation for marriage equality. Following this ruling, many states began to adopt more inclusive policies regarding LGBTQ+ individuals, contributing to a broader acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in society. The case also energized advocacy efforts for further legal protections against discrimination in various areas such as employment and housing, illustrating its lasting impact on the fight for full LGBTQ+ rights.

Related terms

Marriage Equality: The state of having the same legal rights to marry regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

14th Amendment:

A constitutional amendment that grants citizenship rights and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.

Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA): A federal law enacted in 1996 that defined marriage as the union between one man and one woman, which was ruled unconstitutional in part by the Supreme Court in United States v. Windsor in 2013.