Obergefell v. Hodges
Obergefell v. Hodges, decided on June 26, 2015, is a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court. The case effectively legalized same-sex marriage across the United States, declaring that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Background
The case consolidated several lawsuits from different states, including Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee. It involved plaintiffs from six district court cases, combining the legal grievances of sixteen same-sex couples, seven of their children, a widower, an adoption agency, and a funeral director. The legal challenge sought recognition and the right for same-sex couples to marry and have their marriages recognized across state lines.
The case was named after Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff, who sued the state of Ohio to have his name listed as the surviving spouse on his husband's death certificate. The lead respondent, Richard Hodges, was the Director of the Ohio Department of Public Health at the time.
Legal Precedents
Prior to Obergefell v. Hodges, several significant cases laid the groundwork for this decision. In Loving v. Virginia, the Supreme Court held that bans on interracial marriage were unconstitutional. Baker v. Nelson was an earlier case that challenged same-sex marriage; however, it was overturned by the Obergefell decision. Additionally, the Defense of Marriage Act had previously defined marriage for federal purposes as the union of one man and one woman, which was further challenged and partially overturned by the ruling.
The Decision
The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry just as opposite-sex couples do. The majority opinion, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, stated that marriage is a fundamental right inherent to the liberty of the person, and under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment, couples of the same sex may not be deprived of that right and that liberty.
The decision was pivotal for LGBTQ rights in the United States, alongside other significant rulings such as Lawrence v. Texas and Bostock v. Clayton County. The case not only granted marriage rights but also profoundly impacted public opinion and legal interpretations regarding equality and civil rights.
Impact
Obergefell v. Hodges has been heralded as a significant victory for civil rights, ensuring that same-sex marriages are recognized across the U.S. and providing equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The decision has influenced numerous aspects of public policy, legal protections, and societal attitudes towards the LGBTQ community.