Obergefell v. Hodges

Definition

Obergefell v. Hodges is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2015 that ruled same-sex marriage is a constitutional right under the Fourteenth Amendment, specifically through the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses. This decision established that states could not deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples, thus legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide and reinforcing the principle of equality under the law. The ruling was a significant step in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and changed the landscape of civil liberties in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Obergefell v. Hodges decision was announced on June 26, 2015, and it required all states to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.
2. The ruling was a 5-4 decision, showcasing a deeply divided Supreme Court on issues of marriage equality and civil rights.
3. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion, highlighting that the right to marry is fundamental to individual autonomy and is essential for personal dignity.
4. The case consolidated several lawsuits from various states, including Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee, all challenging bans on same-sex marriage.
5. Obergefell v. Hodges affirmed that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violates both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges enhance civil liberties for LGBTQ+ individuals?
  • The ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges significantly enhanced civil liberties for LGBTQ+ individuals by recognizing same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. By declaring that states could not deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples, it affirmed their legal equality and protections under the Fourteenth Amendment. This decision marked a pivotal moment in American history by validating the relationships and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals at a national level.
• Discuss the implications of the Obergefell v. Hodges decision on state laws regarding marriage equality.
  • The implications of Obergefell v. Hodges were profound, as it invalidated all state laws that prohibited same-sex marriage, effectively creating a uniform standard across the country. States were required to recognize not only marriages performed within their jurisdictions but also those from other states. This ruling reinforced the idea that civil rights cannot vary by state, promoting greater legal consistency and protection for LGBTQ+ couples.
• Evaluate how Obergefell v. Hodges reflects broader trends in American society regarding civil rights and liberties over recent decades.
  • Obergefell v. Hodges reflects broader trends in American society that have seen increased acceptance and legal recognition of LGBTQ+ rights over recent decades. The decision illustrates a significant cultural shift towards inclusivity and equality, driven by activism, changing public opinion, and evolving interpretations of civil rights law. By affirming same-sex marriage as a constitutional right, the case not only impacts LGBTQ+ individuals but also signals a commitment to expanding civil liberties for all marginalized groups, showcasing how legal advancements can mirror societal progress.

Related terms

Fourteenth Amendment: An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that provides for equal protection under the law and due process, serving as a key basis for civil rights cases.

Same-Sex Marriage: A legally recognized marriage between two people of the same sex, which became lawful nationwide in the U.S. following Obergefell v. Hodges.

Civil Rights: The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment under the law, often associated with movements advocating for marginalized groups.