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 case marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights, as it established that states cannot deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples, thereby affirming the principle of equal protection under the law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The decision in Obergefell v. Hodges was a 5-4 ruling by the Supreme Court, which found that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right protected under the Fourteenth Amendment.
2. The case consolidated several lawsuits from different states where same-sex couples were denied marriage licenses or recognition of their marriages.
3. Justice Anthony Kennedy authored the majority opinion, emphasizing that marriage is a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of the person.
4. This ruling effectively invalidated state-level bans on same-sex marriage, leading to immediate changes in marriage laws across all 50 states.
5. Obergefell v. Hodges is considered a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, as it symbolizes a major societal shift towards acceptance and equality for same-sex couples.

Review Questions

• How did Obergefell v. Hodges contribute to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States?
  • Obergefell v. Hodges significantly advanced LGBTQ+ rights by establishing that same-sex marriage is protected under the Constitution. This landmark decision ensured that same-sex couples could legally marry and have their marriages recognized on par with heterosexual marriages. By affirming the Equal Protection Clause, it reinforced the idea that all individuals deserve equal treatment under the law, marking a major step forward for civil rights in America.
• Analyze how the ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges reflects broader societal changes regarding LGBTQ+ acceptance in America.
  • The ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges reflects broader societal changes regarding LGBTQ+ acceptance by indicating a shift in public opinion and legal recognition. Over recent decades, attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals have evolved significantly, with increasing support for same-sex marriage evidenced by various polls leading up to the case. The Supreme Court's decision not only mirrored this changing sentiment but also helped solidify it by making same-sex marriage a legal norm across the nation.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Obergefell v. Hodges on future legal battles related to LGBTQ+ rights.
  • The long-term implications of Obergefell v. Hodges on future legal battles related to LGBTQ+ rights are profound, as it set a precedent for recognizing and expanding civil rights protections for sexual and gender minorities. The ruling serves as a foundational case that advocates can reference in ongoing struggles against discrimination and inequality, particularly in areas such as employment, healthcare, and adoption rights. As societal attitudes continue to evolve, this landmark case will likely play a crucial role in shaping future legislation and judicial decisions aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination.

Related terms

Same-Sex Marriage: A legal union between two individuals of the same sex, recognized by the state and often referred to in the context of marriage equality.

Equal Protection Clause: A provision in the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that requires states to provide equal protection under the law to all individuals.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: A social and political movement advocating for the rights and acceptance of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or others within the sexual and gender minorities.