Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015), was a landmark decision of the Supreme Court of the United States that ruled the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by the Constitution. The ruling requires all states to perform and recognize marriages of same-sex couples on equal terms, marking a significant step towards equality. The decision stemmed from various lower-court cases consolidated under Obergefell, presenting the stories of sixteen same-sex couples and other plaintiffs from Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
The journey leading to the Obergefell decision involved legal battles, appeals, and significant court hearings. Plaintiffs like DeBoer and Rowse in Michigan and Bourke and DeLeon in Kentucky fought for their right to marry, challenging state laws that banned same-sex marriage. The Supreme Court’s ruling, authored by Justice Anthony Kennedy, emphasized the importance of individual liberties, equality, and the evolving understanding of discrimination.
The Obergefell decision, issued on June 26, 2015, overturned previous rulings, ensuring that same-sex marriage is recognized and protected throughout the United States and its territories. The decision not only highlighted the legal victories of same-sex couples but also set a precedent for civil rights and equality in the country. Despite mixed reactions and ongoing legal battles in some regions, Obergefell v. Hodges remains a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.
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This article was summarized and republished from the original source.
Please check the original article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obergefell_v._Hodges.