National

Lawmakers in at least nine states have recently introduced measures that aim to challenge same-sex couples’ right to marry, raising concerns about the future of marriage equality in the United States. These legislative moves come as part of a broader effort to chip away at the landmark 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

In Michigan, State Representative Josh Schriver, a Republican who was elected in 2022, introduced a resolution urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider and potentially overturn its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. Schriver, who gained attention earlier this month after a controversial social media post led to the loss of his committee assignment and staff, argued that the Obergefell ruling “is at odds with the sanctity of marriage, the Michigan Constitution, and principles upon which the country was established.” In his statement, Schriver also linked the ruling to increased religious persecution, claiming that it has been a negative consequence of the decision.

Schriver’s resolution is part of a larger national trend. Similar proposals have been introduced in states like Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, all of which seek to overturn or challenge the Obergefell ruling. In Idaho, the House passed a resolution last month by a 46-24 vote, while North Dakota’s House followed suit with a 52-40 vote on Monday, demonstrating growing support among some state lawmakers to undo the 2015 decision.

In addition to these explicit efforts to reverse Obergefell, lawmakers in Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas have introduced bills that would not directly address the Supreme Court’s ruling, but would create a separate legal category called “covenant marriage.” These laws would define marriage strictly as the union between one man and one woman, effectively excluding same-sex couples from legal recognition.

The introduction of these measures marks a continued push by certain conservative lawmakers to restrict marriage equality, despite the 2015 ruling that affirmed the constitutional right of same-sex couples to marry. The proposals are seen as part of an ongoing political and social struggle over LGBTQ+ rights, with some lawmakers aiming to challenge the judicial precedent set nearly a decade ago.

As the national conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality continues to evolve, these developments highlight the contentious nature of the issue at the state level. Advocates for same-sex marriage rights are expected to oppose these efforts, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Supreme Court’s decision and the legal protections it affords to same-sex couples.

California for its part passed Proposition 3 last November with broad support across the state, reflecting a decisive shift in public opinion and a growing understanding of the importance of inclusivity in the fight for civil rights. The ballot measure removed any constitutional provisions that had previously prohibited marriage equality, ensuring that all couples, regardless of gender or race, can marry freely in the golden state.

According to Gallup, “The latest 69% of Americans who support legal same-sex marriage.”

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