Hollingsworth v. Perry

Definition

Hollingsworth v. Perry was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2013 that addressed the constitutionality of California's Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage. The ruling effectively upheld a lower court's decision to strike down Proposition 8, thereby allowing same-sex marriages to resume in California. This case played a significant role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and highlighted the ongoing struggle for marriage equality within the broader context of civil rights movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court's decision in Hollingsworth v. Perry was based on procedural grounds, stating that the proponents of Proposition 8 did not have standing to appeal the lower court's ruling.
2. This case was significant because it took place during a time of increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in American society.
3. The ruling effectively legalized same-sex marriage in California, which had a substantial impact on similar cases across the country.
4. Public opinion regarding same-sex marriage had shifted significantly by the time of the ruling, with a majority of Americans supporting marriage equality.
5. Hollingsworth v. Perry paved the way for future legal battles over LGBTQ+ rights, including challenges to discriminatory laws across various states.

Review Questions

• How did Hollingsworth v. Perry impact the legal landscape for same-sex marriage in the United States?
  • Hollingsworth v. Perry had a profound impact on the legal landscape for same-sex marriage by upholding a lower court's decision to strike down Proposition 8, thus allowing same-sex marriages to resume in California. This case set a precedent that influenced other states and contributed to the broader movement for marriage equality. It demonstrated how state-level decisions could resonate nationally and encouraged advocates for LGBTQ+ rights to push for similar reforms elsewhere.
• Discuss the implications of public opinion on the outcome of Hollingsworth v. Perry and similar cases during that period.
  • Public opinion played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of Hollingsworth v. Perry as societal attitudes toward same-sex marriage had evolved significantly by 2013. With growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights and increasing support for marriage equality among Americans, this shift influenced both public discourse and judicial decisions. As courts responded to changing societal norms, this case became part of a larger narrative where legal systems began to reflect contemporary values regarding love and partnership.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Hollingsworth v. Perry on LGBTQ+ rights and future legal battles surrounding marriage equality.
  • The long-term effects of Hollingsworth v. Perry on LGBTQ+ rights are substantial, as it not only legalized same-sex marriage in California but also catalyzed similar legal challenges across the nation. The ruling demonstrated that state bans on same-sex marriage could be successfully challenged in court, influencing future cases such as Obergefell v. Hodges, which ultimately legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. This case solidified the momentum for LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the importance of judicial support in achieving equality and setting a strong foundation for ongoing advocacy against discrimination.

Related terms

Proposition 8:

A California ballot initiative passed in 2008 that defined marriage as only between one man and one woman, effectively banning same-sex marriage in the state.

DOMA: The Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law enacted in 1996 that defined marriage for federal purposes as a union between one man and one woman, later struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: A social and political movement advocating for the rights and acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minorities.