Obergefell v. Hodges

Definition

Obergefell v. Hodges was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage across the United States. The decision effectively invalidated state bans on same-sex marriage, establishing that the right to marry is a fundamental liberty protected by the Constitution, impacting various state constitutions, including Texas's.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right under the Fourteenth Amendment's due process and equal protection clauses.
2. This ruling required all states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and recognize their marriages performed in other jurisdictions.
3. Before Obergefell v. Hodges, many states, including Texas, had constitutional amendments explicitly banning same-sex marriage.
4. The case was brought forth by James Obergefell, whose partner had passed away, and he wanted their marriage recognized for purposes of the death certificate.
5. The ruling marked a significant milestone in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and changed the legal landscape for marriage in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges relate to the principles outlined in the Fourteenth Amendment?
  • The Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges was deeply connected to the principles of the Fourteenth Amendment, particularly its due process and equal protection clauses. The Court held that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violated these principles by treating them unequally compared to opposite-sex couples. This ruling emphasized that marriage is a fundamental right that should not be restricted based on sexual orientation, thereby reinforcing constitutional protections for all citizens.
• What impact did Obergefell v. Hodges have on state laws, specifically regarding Texas's constitutional amendments related to marriage?
  • The ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges had a profound impact on state laws across the U.S., including Texas. Prior to this decision, Texas had a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. After the Supreme Court ruled that states could not deny same-sex couples the right to marry, Texas's ban became unenforceable, and same-sex marriages were recognized statewide. This marked a significant shift in Texas's legal stance on marriage equality and reflected broader national changes in public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights.
• Evaluate how Obergefell v. Hodges has influenced ongoing discussions about civil rights and constitutional interpretation in Texas and beyond.
  • Obergefell v. Hodges has had lasting implications for civil rights discussions, especially regarding how states interpret and enforce constitutional rights. In Texas, this ruling has prompted ongoing debates about religious freedom versus anti-discrimination laws, as some groups seek exemptions based on religious beliefs against recognizing same-sex marriages. Furthermore, it has sparked conversations about other potential areas of discrimination and civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ individuals across various states, influencing legislative efforts and court cases in attempts to balance individual liberties with social beliefs.

Related terms

Fourteenth Amendment: An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that grants citizenship and equal protection under the law, which was central to the arguments in Obergefell v. Hodges.

Same-Sex Marriage: A legally recognized marriage between two people of the same sex, which became lawful nationwide following the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling.

Texas Constitution: The governing document of the state of Texas that includes various amendments addressing marriage and family law prior to the Obergefell decision.