Obergefell v. Hodges

Definition

Obergefell v. Hodges is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage across the United States. This ruling was a significant victory for the gay rights movement, affirming that the Constitution guarantees the right to marry for same-sex couples under the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses. The case emerged in the context of growing demands for equality and justice for LGBTQ+ individuals, following earlier pivotal events such as the Stonewall Riots that catalyzed activism in the 1960s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Obergefell v. Hodges consolidated several cases from different states challenging state bans on same-sex marriage, highlighting widespread discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
2. The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, emphasizing that marriage is fundamental to individual dignity and autonomy.
3. The ruling effectively invalidated state laws prohibiting same-sex marriage in all 50 states, ensuring legal recognition and protections for same-sex couples.
4. This decision marked a major milestone in the gay rights movement, coming after decades of activism, including significant events like the Stonewall Riots.
5. Following Obergefell v. Hodges, there has been a continued push for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from workplace discrimination and other forms of bias.

Review Questions

• How did Obergefell v. Hodges build upon previous legal battles fought by LGBTQ+ activists?
  • Obergefell v. Hodges built upon previous legal battles by affirming rights that activists had fought for over decades. Earlier cases like Windsor v. United States challenged the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which set the stage for broader recognition of same-sex marriage. The ruling represented a culmination of efforts dating back to pivotal moments like the Stonewall Riots, highlighting how grassroots activism influenced legal decisions at the highest level.
• Analyze how the ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges impacted public opinion on same-sex marriage in America.
  • The ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges significantly shifted public opinion on same-sex marriage in America by providing legal legitimacy to same-sex relationships. As the Supreme Court recognized marriage as a constitutional right for all couples, many Americans began to view same-sex unions more favorably. This change was evident in subsequent surveys showing increasing support for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality, reflecting broader societal acceptance influenced by this landmark decision.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Obergefell v. Hodges on future LGBTQ+ rights initiatives and legislation.
  • The long-term implications of Obergefell v. Hodges on future LGBTQ+ rights initiatives are profound as it established a constitutional precedent for marriage equality that advocates can leverage in pursuing additional rights and protections. Following this ruling, activists are focusing on comprehensive anti-discrimination laws at both state and federal levels to ensure workplace protections and equal treatment in various sectors. Moreover, it has energized advocacy groups to address other pressing issues within the LGBTQ+ community, such as healthcare access and protection from violence, indicating that while marriage equality was achieved, there remains much work to be done to secure full equality.

Related terms

Stonewall Riots:

A series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in 1969, often credited with igniting the modern gay rights movement.

DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act): A federal law enacted in 1996 that defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, which was partially struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013, paving the way for Obergefell v. Hodges.

LGBTQ+ Rights: A broad term referring to the civil rights and social movements advocating for the legal and social equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning individuals, and others.