Obergefell v. Hodges
One of the most important cases in United States history regarding marriage as a fundamental right is Obergefell v. Hodges. Before 2016, same-sex marriage was illegal in this country. According to the 26th chapter in Successful Marriages and Families, same-sex marriage had never been legal in "any nation on earth." To me, this is a very sad reality for this world. Everyone should have the right to marry whom they love, no matter your own personal beliefs. Expecting others to believe in what we do is a complete breach of freedom and agency.
There is a story that was presented in this case that has stuck with me. It is an experience that the petitioner, James Obergefell had with his partner, John Arthur. In 2011, John Arthur was diagnosed with ALS. Both James and John decided to commit to each other before John would eventually pass away. They were from Ohio, where same-sex marriage wasn't legal, so they decided to travel to Maryland to be married. John was very sick at this point and had a hard time traveling. They would end up marrying in a medical transport plane "as it remained on the tarmac in Baltimore." Three months after this, John Arthur died. Ohio law did not permit James to be listed as John's surviving spouse on his death certificate. "By statute, they must remain strangers even in death."
In the text, it says, "It noted that persons of faith and churches opposing same-sex marriage retain the liberty to 'advocate' and 'to teach' their own views opposing same-sex marriage." Even though churches may not believe in same-sex marriage, it does not mean that it should not be legal. I would hope that every person, no matter what religion you practice, that you are open to same-sex marriages and the notion that ALL people deserve love, and a marriage that is accepted by the law and by people, alike.
There is a story that was presented in this case that has stuck with me. It is an experience that the petitioner, James Obergefell had with his partner, John Arthur. In 2011, John Arthur was diagnosed with ALS. Both James and John decided to commit to each other before John would eventually pass away. They were from Ohio, where same-sex marriage wasn't legal, so they decided to travel to Maryland to be married. John was very sick at this point and had a hard time traveling. They would end up marrying in a medical transport plane "as it remained on the tarmac in Baltimore." Three months after this, John Arthur died. Ohio law did not permit James to be listed as John's surviving spouse on his death certificate. "By statute, they must remain strangers even in death."
In the text, it says, "It noted that persons of faith and churches opposing same-sex marriage retain the liberty to 'advocate' and 'to teach' their own views opposing same-sex marriage." Even though churches may not believe in same-sex marriage, it does not mean that it should not be legal. I would hope that every person, no matter what religion you practice, that you are open to same-sex marriages and the notion that ALL people deserve love, and a marriage that is accepted by the law and by people, alike.
Comments
Post a Comment