Civics 101 Obergefell v Hodges, 2015
Aug 26, 2025
Jim Obergefell, the named plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case for marriage equality, shares his personal journey alongside Melissa Wasser, an expert in legal aspects of marriage rights. They explore the evolution of marriage laws, detailing the struggles faced by same-sex couples prior to 2015. The discussion highlights the emotional weight of the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling and its significance in protecting marriage under the 14th Amendment. They also reflect on ongoing challenges within the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of continued advocacy for equality.
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Why Government Regulates Marriage
- States used marriage as a cheap way to distribute social benefits tied to a breadwinner model.
- That made same-sex couples economically excluded when laws defined marriage by sex.
Hawaii Case Sparked Backlash
- Hawaii’s 1991 decision prompted commissions and nationwide backlash that spurred DOMA and state bans.
- That episode shows how early progress produced countervailing political mobilization.
Windsor's Pivotal Role
- United States v. Windsor struck down Section 3 of DOMA and restored federal benefits to same-sex marriages.
- That 5-4 ruling framed DOMA as imposing a stigma and violating due process.