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Obergefell Turns 10 as Advocates Press Congress for Equality Act Protections

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Published Jul 1, 2025, 04:09 AM

The United States on Thursday celebrated a decade since the Supreme Court’s 5–4 Obergefell v. Hodges decision legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. President Joe Biden, who cited the ruling when he signed the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act in 2022, joined dozens of Democratic lawmakers in hailing the anniversary during Pride Month.

Supporters used the milestone to press Congress to pass the Equality Act, which would add explicit federal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Williams Institute estimates the number of married same-sex couples has more than doubled since 2015 to roughly 823,000, while a Gallup survey last month found overall public support at 68 percent.

The celebrations come amid renewed political and legal headwinds. Republican legislators in eight states have introduced resolutions urging the Supreme Court to revisit Obergefell, and the Southern Baptist Convention voted this month to back overturning the ruling. GOP-controlled legislatures filed more than 500 bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights in 2024, according to the ACLU.

Advocates say the court’s 6–3 decision this month in United States v. Skrmetti, upholding Tennessee’s ban on certain transgender medical care, underscores their concern that a conservative majority could narrow LGBTQ+ protections. Although the Respect for Marriage Act requires states to recognize existing marriages, it would not obligate them to issue new licenses if Obergefell were reversed—a prospect driving the current push for additional federal safeguards.

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#United States #Supreme Court #Obergefell #Hodges #Joe Biden #Respect for Marriage Act #Democratic #Pride Month #Congress #Equality Act #Williams Institute #Gallup #Republican #Southern Baptist Convention #ACLU #Skrmetti #Tennessee

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PBS News

@NewsHour

This year marks a decade since same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide. But in several Republican-led states, efforts are underway to ban Pride flags from public schools and government buildings, sparking a wave of local resistance.

Mayor Karen Bass

@MayorOfLA

As Pride Month comes to a close, LA honored the progress made while recognizing the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion. We carry the spirit of pride, love, and resilience forward every day of the year.

Rep. Jim Costa

@RepJimCosta

As Pride Month comes to a close, we recognize the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. In challenging times like these, unity matter more than ever.

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