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In a significant decision reaffirming one of the most consequential rulings in modern history, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges — the 2015 decision that established a constitutional right to same-sex marriage nationwide.
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The court’s announcement, which came without detailed comment, leaves intact the nearly decade-old precedent that guarantees marriage equality as a protected constitutional right. The decision comes amid renewed challenges from conservative advocacy groups and several state officials who had asked the justices to revisit the issue in light of recent rulings expanding religious liberty protections.
By refusing to hear the appeal, the Supreme Court signaled that Obergefell remains settled law, at least for now. The move was widely welcomed by LGBTQ+ rights advocates, who called it a victory for equality and stability. “This is a powerful affirmation that love and commitment are equal under the law,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. “Families across the country can breathe easier knowing their marriages are safe.”
Conservative legal groups, however, expressed disappointment, arguing that the court missed an opportunity to return the issue of marriage to the states. Some justices in recent years, including Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito, have questioned the reasoning behind Obergefell, raising concerns among supporters that the precedent could one day be revisited.
Monday’s decision suggests that a majority of the current court, despite its conservative supermajority, may be reluctant to reopen such a deeply divisive social issue. Legal analysts noted that overturning Obergefell would not only disrupt thousands of existing marriages but also create massive uncertainty across family, tax, and adoption laws.
For now, the constitutional right to same-sex marriage remains secure — a reminder that, even in turbulent times, some principles of equality endure.