Unit 4

Supreme Court Agrees to Rule on Gay Marriage

Summary:

In January, the Supreme Court decided to finally rule on the gay marriage debate.  In April, the Court will hear 2 1/2 hours of oral arguments and then provide a ruling before the term ends in June.  They will hear four cases from Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.  In 2013, the Court ruled on two cases: U.S. v. Windsor which made the federal government recognize gay marriage, and Hollingsworth v. Perry which allowed gay marriage in California.  California was the 13th state to allow gay marriage.  Currently 36 states allow gay marriage, while 14 don't including Tennesse, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan.  The Court will have to consider two different questions:  If states are required to allow same-sex marriages, and if states have to recognize same-sex marriages from other states.  The four state cases involve either one or both of these questions.  This ruling will be one of the most historic rulings in modern history since gay marriage is currently one of the most prominent debates in the U.S.


Analysis:

The Court's ruling on this issue will be a monumental moment in U.S. history.  Currently 70% of Americans live in states where gay marriage is legal, but many people want that number to improve to 100%.  There are many people, mostly conservatives, who argue against gay marriage and say that a marriage is strictly between a man and a woman.  The nine justices are very split on the decision, and in 2013 they voted 5-4.  The Obama administration has come in on the side of gay rights.  I personally don't encourage same-sex marriage, but I don't think it's fair that those people should be denied the right to marry who they want.  Just because I don't like the idea of it, doesn't mean that it shouldn't be allowed.

Resources:  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/01/16/supreme-court-gay-marriage/21867355/