The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk, who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples due to her religious beliefs. Davis’s appeal, which sought to overturn the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, drew attention amidst concerns about the court potentially revisiting the landmark ruling. Though Davis argued her religious freedom was violated, the court did not address the larger question of overturning the Obergefell decision, as the court has a conservative majority and Justice Alito, who authored the abortion ruling, indicated he was not pushing for Obergefell to be overturned. The justices dismissed the appeal without comment, leaving the 2015 decision intact.
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The Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal from Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, leaving the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision intact. This decision comes amidst concerns from LGBTQ advocates about the conservative court potentially revisiting the 2015 same-sex marriage ruling, especially after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. While the court did not explain its reasoning, the denial of the appeal maintains the constitutional right to same-sex marriage, leading to relief among LGBTQ+ advocates. The case focused on technical questions regarding religious protections, but the primary concern was whether the court would reconsider the Obergefell decision.
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The Supreme Court is currently considering a challenge to the Obergefell v. Hodges decision, stemming from a case brought by Kim Davis, who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The court is meeting in private to determine if it will hear the appeal, which seeks to overturn the landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. Despite the court’s conservative shift, signals suggest they may not be ready to revisit the issue so soon, considering reliance interests and the principle of stare decisis. However, some believe this is the beginning of a larger challenge to the decision, and LGBTQ advocates remain concerned about the potential for future legal battles.
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The Supreme Court is considering a longshot appeal from Kim Davis, the former Kentucky court clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, potentially calling for a review of the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. Davis seeks to overturn a lower court order requiring her to pay damages for denying a marriage license, with her lawyers citing Justice Clarence Thomas’s calls to eliminate the same-sex marriage ruling. Justices like Roberts and Alito, who dissented in the original decision, remain on the court, with Justice Barrett suggesting that overturning same-sex marriage might be more complex than the abortion ruling due to reliance on the decision.
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The Supreme Court is poised to consider a challenge from Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk, regarding the legality of same-sex marriage. Davis, who previously defied court orders and was briefly jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, is petitioning the court to overturn the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. A 2024 Gallup poll indicates that a majority of Americans support same-sex marriage, though partisan divides persist. The Supreme Court will decide whether to hear the case, with a decision expected as early as November 10, potentially setting up a significant moment for LGBTQ+ rights.
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Speaking at the Catholic University of America, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas questioned the infallibility of settled legal precedent, suggesting some rulings may lack a strong foundation. Thomas, part of the court’s conservative majority, emphasized that precedent should be based on more than just theoretical underpinnings and respectful of legal tradition. He further stated that he feels no obligation to uphold a precedent if it doesn’t make sense. This perspective comes as the court is poised to address significant cases, potentially including a challenge to the Obergefell decision legalizing same-sex marriage.
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Hillary Clinton: Supreme Court ‘will do to gay marriage what they did to abortion’ is a statement that has ignited a flurry of discussion and concern, and it’s not difficult to see why. The core of the worry, echoed by many, is that the current conservative majority on the Supreme Court is poised to revisit the legal protections afforded to same-sex marriage, potentially dismantling the rights that were secured by the *Obergefell v. Hodges* ruling in 2015. This fear stems from the court’s recent actions, particularly the overturning of *Roe v. Wade*, which has set a precedent for re-evaluating established rights.… Continue reading
Kim Davis, the former Kentucky County Court Clerk, has filed a lawsuit petitioning the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, seeking to appeal a ruling that requires her to pay damages for denying a marriage license to a gay couple. Davis, represented by the Liberty Counsel, argues her religious freedom is violated by the existence of marriage equality. Critics, like Dan Canon, believe the court is unlikely to take the case, although the current court is seen as politically motivated. The core argument, shared by some conservatives, is that the mere existence of same-sex marriage oppresses Christians, a perspective that could threaten LGBTQ+ rights.
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Supreme Court formally asked to overturn landmark same-sex marriage ruling.
It’s honestly hard to know where to begin with this latest development: the Supreme Court being formally asked to overturn the landmark same-sex marriage ruling in *Obergefell v. Hodges*. It feels like a punch to the gut, even though many of us saw this coming from a mile away. The news immediately brings to mind the name of Kim Davis, and not for good reasons. She’s back in the spotlight, and it seems her arguments are echoing those of others who want to roll back the clock on marriage equality. It’s disheartening to see.… Continue reading
A new study reveals that same-sex weddings and related spending by couples and out-of-state guests have generated approximately $5.9 billion in economic activity over the past decade. This includes an estimated $4.9 billion directly spent on weddings by 473,000 same-sex couples, plus nearly $1 billion from out-of-state guests. This spending supported an estimated 41,300 jobs and generated $432.2 million in state and local sales tax revenue. Despite recent state-level challenges, the Respect for Marriage Act ensures federal recognition of same-sex marriages.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood