Obergefell v. Hodges

Definition

Obergefell v. Hodges is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2015 that ruled that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right protected under the Fourteenth Amendment. This decision effectively legalized same-sex marriage across the United States, recognizing the dignity and equality of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. It is a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and has far-reaching implications for legal protections related to sexual behavior and relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Obergefell v. Hodges case was brought by Jim Obergefell, who sued to have his marriage recognized after his spouse died, highlighting the legal inequalities faced by same-sex couples.
2. The Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges was a 5-4 decision, with Justice Anthony Kennedy writing the majority opinion that emphasized the importance of marriage as a fundamental right.
3. The ruling established that states cannot deny same-sex couples the right to marry, reinforcing the idea that marriage contributes to individual dignity and autonomy.
4. Obergefell v. Hodges not only legalized same-sex marriage but also set a legal precedent for future cases involving LGBTQ+ rights, expanding protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
5. The decision prompted widespread celebrations across the country and signified a major cultural shift towards acceptance and recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court justify its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges regarding the constitutional right to same-sex marriage?
  • The Supreme Court justified its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges by citing the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees equal protection and due process under the law. The majority opinion highlighted that marriage is a fundamental right integral to individual dignity and autonomy. By denying same-sex couples this right, states were violating constitutional principles of equality and liberty.
• Discuss the impact of Obergefell v. Hodges on state laws regarding marriage and LGBTQ+ rights following its ruling.
  • Following the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, all states were required to recognize same-sex marriages, effectively nullifying any existing laws that prohibited such unions. This led to a significant transformation in state laws concerning marriage equality and fostered greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights nationwide. As states began to comply with the ruling, it also catalyzed further legal challenges related to discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in areas like housing, employment, and public services.
• Evaluate how Obergefell v. Hodges has influenced broader discussions around LGBTQ+ rights and societal attitudes towards sexual orientation in the United States.
  • Obergefell v. Hodges has had a profound impact on both legal discourse and societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights by affirming that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right. This landmark decision not only marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ activists but also contributed to shifting public opinion towards greater acceptance of diverse sexual orientations. It has spurred ongoing conversations about equality, discrimination, and human rights, encouraging further advocacy for comprehensive protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in various aspects of life beyond just marriage.

Related terms

Fourteenth Amendment: An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that provides equal protection under the law and prohibits discrimination, forming a crucial basis for the Obergefell decision.

Same-Sex Marriage: The legal union of two people of the same sex, which was affirmed by the Obergefell decision as a fundamental right.

DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act): A law enacted in 1996 that defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, which was effectively overturned by the ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.