Obergefell v. Hodges

Definition

Obergefell v. Hodges is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2015 that established the constitutional right to same-sex marriage across the United States. The ruling held that state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection and due process. This case marked a significant moment in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, reflecting broader social changes regarding acceptance and recognition of same-sex relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Obergefell v. Hodges decision was a 5-4 ruling by the Supreme Court, with Justice Anthony Kennedy writing the majority opinion.
2. The case consolidated several challenges to state bans on same-sex marriage from different states, including Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
3. The ruling emphasized that the right to marry is a fundamental liberty inherent in the concept of individual autonomy.
4. Obergefell v. Hodges not only legalized same-sex marriage but also required states to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.
5. This case was a culmination of decades of advocacy and legal battles aimed at achieving marriage equality for same-sex couples in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did the ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges impact the legal landscape for same-sex couples in America?
  • The Obergefell v. Hodges ruling significantly changed the legal landscape by affirming that same-sex couples have the constitutional right to marry. This decision invalidated state laws that prohibited same-sex marriage and required all states to recognize marriages performed in other jurisdictions. It represented a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights advocates and set a precedent for further legal challenges related to discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
• What role did the 14th Amendment play in the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges?
  • The 14th Amendment was central to the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, as it ensures equal protection under the law and due process rights. The Court ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violated these principles, emphasizing that marriage is a fundamental right. This interpretation reinforced the idea that state bans on same-sex marriage were discriminatory and unconstitutional.
• Critically evaluate the implications of Obergefell v. Hodges for future social movements advocating for equality and civil rights.
  • Obergefell v. Hodges has profound implications for future social movements focused on equality and civil rights, as it demonstrates how legal challenges can lead to significant social change. The case not only legitimized same-sex marriage but also highlighted the importance of constitutional protections against discrimination. This victory serves as a foundation for ongoing advocacy efforts addressing other forms of inequality, inspiring movements that seek similar recognition and protection under the law for various marginalized groups.

Related terms

14th Amendment: A constitutional amendment that grants citizenship rights and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.

DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act): A federal law enacted in 1996 that defined marriage as the union between one man and one woman, which was later deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: A social movement advocating for the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, focusing on issues such as marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws, and social acceptance.