b) Obergefell v. Hodges

The major U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2015, Obergefell v. Hodges, legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. This landmark ruling stated that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples under the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The decision was a culmination of decades of activism and advocacy, and a monumental victory for the LGBTQ+ community. It represented a significant moment in the history of civil rights in the United States.

Prior to this ruling, same-sex marriage was a contentious issue, with varying laws across different states. Some states recognized same-sex marriages, while others banned them. This inconsistency led to legal challenges and a national conversation about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The Obergefell v. Hodges decision, therefore, was not just about marriage; it was about equality and recognition under the law.

The Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges was delivered by Justice Anthony Kennedy. In his majority opinion, he wrote about the dignity and equality of all individuals and the importance of marriage as a fundamental institution in society. This ruling had a ripple effect, not only legalizing same-sex marriage but also affirming the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community in other areas of law and life.

The Obergefell v. Hodges case is considered one of the most important civil rights decisions of the 21st century. It marked a historic shift in the legal recognition of relationships and set a precedent for the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. The decision is celebrated annually during Pride Month and is a symbol of progress in the fight for equality and inclusion.