Anna Hartz
Supreme Court Rejects Case That Could Have Threatened Same-Sex Marriage
The Supreme Court has decided not to revisit its landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage across the United States.
Appeal Rejected
The court rejected an appeal from Kim Davis, a former Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, reports CNN. This ruling brought Davis hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages and legal fees.
The decision came without an explanation. The court’s conservative majority had already overturned Roe v. Wade three years ago, which raised concerns among LGBTQ advocates that Obergefell v. Hodges, the same-sex marriage decision, might be next.
“Love Has Won Again”
“Today, love won again,” said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign. She added that public officials have a duty to serve all members of their communities. “Refusing to respect constitutional rights has consequences,” she said.
Obergefell was decided in 2015. Justice Anthony Kennedy, the swing vote, wrote that marriage represents the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, and family.
Nearly 600,000 same-sex couples have married since the ruling. The White House even lit up in rainbow colors the day the decision was announced.
Davis to Pay Large Fine
Davis had argued that her religious beliefs justified her refusal to issue marriage licenses. A jury ordered her to pay $360,000 in damages. She also spent a few days in jail for defying a court order. Davis claimed Obergefell should be overturned, but the Supreme Court refused.
The case included technical arguments too. Davis argued the First Amendment should protect her from legal liability now that she is no longer a public official. Lower courts had already rejected this argument.
Some Rights Still under Threat
Some conservative justices had suggested they did not want to reopen Obergefell. Justice Amy Coney Barrett noted the “reliance interests” at stake. Justice Samuel Alito, while critical of the precedent, said it deserved respect under the principle of stare decisis.
Despite this decision, other LGBTQ rights remain under threat. Recent rulings allowed states to restrict medical care for transgender youth, barred transgender people from the military, and required birth sex markers on passports.
Strengthens Society
Mary Bonauto, a civil rights attorney who argued Obergefell, celebrated the court’s decision. She said marriage equality protects families and strengthens society. Millions of Americans can continue to rely on these rights without fear.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear Davis’ appeal does not set a binding precedent. Future challenges to Obergefell will be considered on their own merits.
This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, who may have used AI in the preparation
