CNN 5 Things One Thing: His Case Legalized Gay Marriage. Now He Wants to Make Sure it Sticks.
Jun 29, 2025
Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the historic Obergefell v. Hodges case that legalized same-sex marriage, discusses the current threats to this landmark decision. He shares personal stories from the journey towards marriage equality and emphasizes the need for ongoing activism. Obergefell warns of the dangers posed by shifting political landscapes and calls for vigilance in safeguarding LGBTQ+ rights. He highlights the importance of civic engagement and diverse representation to overcome the legal challenges facing the community today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Obergefell's Marriage Fight
- Jim Obergefell flew his terminally ill partner John Arthur to Maryland to legally marry, as Ohio did not allow same-sex marriage in 2013.
- John died shortly after, but Ohio refused to recognize their marriage, prompting Jim to file a lawsuit that became Obergefell v. Hodges.
Obama's Call After Victory
- Jim Obergefell remembers disbelief and honor in receiving a congratulatory call from President Obama after the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage.
- He struggled to recall the conversation amid the jubilant crowd but confirmed the president praised their impact on making the world better.
No Rights Are Guaranteed
- The Dobbs decision showed rights we assume permanent can be overturned without vigilance.
- Activism must focus on maintaining wins and avoiding complacency to protect LGBTQ rights.