The American Civil Liberties Union, in partnership with the ACLU of Ohio and attorney Alphonse Gerhardstein of Gerhardstein & Branch, filed a lawsuit challenging Ohio’s constitutional and statutory marriage recognition bans on behalf of widowers Jim Obergefell, David Michener, and funeral director Robert Grunn.
The case, initially filed in July 2013 by attorney Al Gerhardstein on behalf of Jim Obergefell and John Arthur seeking recognition of their Maryland marriage before John’s death, resulted in a temporary restraining order granted by the Court. Following John’s death on October 22, 2013, his death certificate listed Jim as his surviving spouse, recognizing their marriage at the time of his passing.
On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court overturned the 6th Circuit decision, ruling that state bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, marking a significant victory for marriage equality. The case and subsequent ruling paved the way for legal recognition and equal rights for same-sex couples across the United States.
The journey to marriage equality was a long and hard-fought battle, with legal teams, advocates, and legislators playing crucial roles in advocating for LGBTQ rights. Despite challenges and opposition, the fight for equality and recognition continues, with ongoing efforts to ensure that all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, have the right to marry and have their marriages legally recognized.
Attribution:
This article was summarized and republished from the original source.
Please check the original article here: https://www.aclu.org/cases/obergefell-et-al-v-hodges-freedom-marry-ohio.