Nine years ago today: the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges
Nine years ago today on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled on Obergefell v. Hodges, making Marriage Equality the law of the land across the United States. The Court held in a 5-4 decision that the Fourteenth Amendment requires ALL states to both grant same-sex marriages and to recognize same-sex marriages granted in other states.
The ruling came on a meaningful anniversary: just two-years to the day earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor determined that the federal government must recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where they were legal.
Today and every day, we are grateful for the many, many LGBTQIA+ siblings and allies who worked tirelessly over generations in the face of oppression to fight for basic rights such as these to be enshrined for all.
The work at the federal level is important — but the fight is not over. As we’ve seen in recent years, SCOTUS rulings can be overturned – setting a new precedent that could leave Marriage Equality and other rights-based rulings up for potential future reconsideration.
SCOTUS appointments are made by presidential administrations and are life-long. This means that the nine currently-seated members of SCOTUS will have the power to make determinations for as long as they remain on the bench.
That’s why it’s equally critical that we continue to fight to enshrine these protections in our state law. That’s why it’s imperative that we register to vote and remain active participants in our own democratic process. Democracy is not a spectator sport – it’s the difference between maintaining equal rights for LGBTQ+ folks and losing them.
Every person deserves the choice, opportunity, and freedom to marry their partner. We will always stand alongside all folks championing to protect these rights here in PA and nationwide.
To register to vote, update your voter info, and check on your status, click HERE.
Together, we can ensure that #LoveWins.
