Supreme Court Declines to Revisit Same-Sex Marriage Case
In a decision made without comment, the U.S. Supreme Court has chosen not to hear an appeal that sought to reopen the debate on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage. By quietly refusing to take up the case, the Court leaves in place the landmark 2015 ruling, Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. This effectively ends the legal campaign of Kim Davis, the former Kentucky clerk who became a controversial figure for denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her religious beliefs.
Kim Davis: From National Protest Symbol to Legal Setback
Kim Davis, a Republican public official, rose to prominence in 2015 after refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples following the Obergefell decision. She argued that complying with the law would violate her Christian faith, sparking a national debate over religious liberty versus civil rights. As a result, Davis faced multiple lawsuits and was ultimately ordered to pay $360,000 in damages to a couple whom she denied a license. Her appeal to the Supreme Court was her final effort to overturn that ruling and reignite the legal fight over same-sex marriage — an effort the Court has now declined to support.
A Deliberate Silence to Avoid Political Turmoil
By opting not to revisit the case, the Court sidesteps a potentially explosive national debate at a time when civil rights issues remain front and center. The current conservative-majority Court faced sharp criticism in 2022 after overturning Roe v. Wade, eliminating federal protections for abortion rights. That decision heightened fears among LGBTQ+ advocates that marriage equality could be next. This latest ruling provides a moment of relief, even as uncertainty lingers.
LGBTQ+ Advocates Celebrate Legal Stability
Though no written opinion was issued, advocacy groups viewed the Court’s inaction as a de facto reaffirmation of marriage equality in America.
“Today, love wins again,” said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, emphasizing that “elected officials cannot strip others of their constitutional rights.”
Mary Bonauto, the attorney who argued the original Obergefell case, described the moment as “a collective sigh of relief for millions of LGBTQ+ families.”
Allen Morris from the National LGBTQ Task Force added, “Marriage equality is the law of the land — period. Our opponents have lost again: hate is burning out; love endures.”
Marriage Equality: A Deeply Integrated American Reality
Since same-sex marriage became legal across the nation, over 800,000 couples have tied the knot, raising nearly 300,000 children. Legal scholars emphasize that marriage rights have become a core part of many Americans’ lives — what’s known as “reliance interests.” Reversing such rights would cause tangible harm to families who have lawfully built their lives around legal protections.
The Fight for Equality Continues on the State Level
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, equality advocates caution that the battle is far from over. Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal, warned of continued threats:
“Opponents of equality remain powerful and well-funded. This is no time to lower our guard.”
In several conservative-led states, efforts to chip away at marriage equality persist. For example, in Texas, judges are now permitted to refuse marriage licenses to same-sex couples if they cite religious objections.
However, federal protections have also strengthened. The 2022 passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden, ensures federal and interstate recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages. While this law safeguards existing marriages, it leaves room for individual states to potentially restrict the issuance of new marriage licenses in the future — risking uneven protections across the country.
A Cautious Court and Shifting Public Sentiment
By not taking up the case, the Court appears to recognize the entrenched nature of same-sex marriage in both law and public consciousness. Still, the makeup of the Court has changed since Obergefell: three justices were appointed by President Donald Trump, and the original dissenters — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Chief Justice John Roberts — remain influential. In fact, Justice Thomas has previously voiced an interest in reconsidering the legality of same-sex marriage.
Yet, justices like Amy Coney Barrett have begun to draw distinctions between deeply personal rights, such as those involving family life, and more contentious issues like abortion. That line of reasoning, coupled with growing public support — now surpassing 70% in favor of same-sex marriage — makes a judicial reversal increasingly politically perilous.
Marriage Equality Holds, But Caution Remains
While the Supreme Court’s refusal to review Kim Davis’s appeal offers a reprieve for marriage equality, it does not entirely erase risk. Legal experts and LGBTQ+ advocates agree: the ruling reinforces existing rights but doesn’t eliminate the potential for future legal challenges. For now, LGBTQ+ families can breathe easier — but the road ahead still demands vigilance.