The Supreme Court has decisively maintained its landmark ruling on same-sex marriage by rejecting an appeal from Kim Davis, former county clerk of Rowan County, Kentucky. This decision ensures that the constitutional right to same-sex marriage remains intact.
Background of the Same-Sex Marriage Ruling
The pivotal ruling on same-sex marriage, known as Obergefell v. Hodges, was established in June 2015. This case recognized the right of same-sex couples to marry, prompting widespread celebration, including the illumination of the White House in rainbow colors. Since then, nearly 600,000 same-sex couples have legally married in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.
Kim Davis and Her Appeal
Kentucky’s Kim Davis garnered national attention after she refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her religious beliefs. She faced legal challenges as a result and was ultimately ordered by a jury to pay $360,000 in damages and legal fees.
- Former county clerk: Kim Davis
- Location: Rowan County, Kentucky
- Damages ordered: $360,000
- Number of same-sex marriages since Obergefell: Nearly 600,000
Current Supreme Court Composition
The current Supreme Court exhibits a significantly conservative lean compared to the court that decided Obergefell. Important changes include:
- Justice Anthony Kennedy, who authored the Obergefell decision, retired in 2018.
- Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in 2020, replaced by Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
- Three dissenting justices from Obergefell: Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Clarence Thomas, and Justice Samuel Alito.
Reactions to the Court’s Decision
Despite fears from LGBTQ advocates that the conservative majority may seek to challenge Obergefell, the court’s recent rejection of Davis’s appeal indicates a reluctance to overturn this precedent. Justices Alito and Barrett have emphasized the importance of stability in same-sex marriage rights.
Future Implications for LGBTQ Rights
While the rejection of Davis’s appeal does not set a binding precedent, it reflects the Supreme Court’s current stance. Future appeals aiming to challenge Obergefell will be evaluated independently.
Concerns persist regarding potential threats to LGBTQ rights, particularly for transgender individuals. Recent decisions have allowed states to ban puberty blockers for trans youth and restricted military service for transgender Americans.
The ruling reinforces the significance of Obergefell in affirming marital rights and maintains the existing legal framework for same-sex marriage, at least for now.
