We knew this moment was coming.
The landmark 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges granted same-sex couples the constitutional right to marry in all 50 states. For nearly a decade, it has stood as a cornerstone of civil rights progress.
Now, for the first time since that decision, the Court is being formally asked to overturn it.
Today’s Development
Kim Davis — the Kentucky county clerk who in 2015 famously refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and was briefly jailed — has filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Obergefell.
This petition marks the first direct legal challenge to the ruling, despite years of legislative and cultural pushback in certain states.
Why It Matters
1. Legal Rollback Risk
Overturning Obergefell would dismantle a decade of established rights and protections for same-sex couples.
2. Real Impact on Families
Since 2014, the number of same-sex marriages in the U.S. has more than doubled, from about 390,000 to between 820,000 and 930,000 couples. These are real families whose stability could be thrown into legal uncertainty.
3. Public Support Remains Strong
Nearly 70% of Americans support marriage equality — a record high — crossing political lines. Yet public opinion doesn’t guarantee legal security.
4. Partial Federal Protections
The Respect for Marriage Act (2022) ensures federal recognition of same-sex marriages but doesn’t fully guarantee that every state must issue marriage licenses if Obergefell is overturned.
What’s Next
The Supreme Court will decide whether to take the case. If it does, the implications are enormous:
Potential legal chaos as state laws clash with federal recognition.
Uncertainty for couples who married under the assumption their rights were permanent.
A renewed fight for equality in legislatures and courts nationwide.
Why We Can’t Be Complacent
Rights are only as secure as the laws and precedents protecting them. Obergefell was a historic victory, but this challenge is a stark reminder: progress is never permanent without vigilance.
Marriage equality has changed lives — mine included — by granting legal recognition, dignity, and stability. We can’t afford to watch these rights chipped away in silence.
Stay Informed. Stay Vocal. Stay Ready.
📄 Read the ABC News coverage of the case.
Call to Action:
If this matters to you, share this post and talk about it with your network. The more people understand what’s at stake, the harder it becomes to roll back equality.