WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court has firmly rejected an appeal that sought to challenge its historic 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage across the nation. This decision, announced on Monday, further cements marriage equality as a constitutional right.
The court's denial to hear the appeal came from former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, who garnered national attention when she refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples following the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. Davis had attempted to overturn a lower court order mandating her to pay damages totaling $360,000 to a couple she denied a marriage license.
Justice Clarence Thomas was the only dissenting voice among the current justices, having previously voiced a desire to erase the same-sex marriage ruling. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito, who dissented in the original ruling, have refrained from advocating for its reversal in recent discussions.
In remarks acknowledging the potential for court corrections, Justice Amy Coney Barrett suggested that same-sex marriage cases might differ from others, like abortion, where significant reliance has developed based on the ruling. Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson expressed gratitude for the court's decision, underscoring that the refusal to respect others' rights does not come without repercussions.
Kim Davis' refusal to issue marriage licenses led to her jailing for contempt of court in 2015, an action that highlighted the conflict between her religious beliefs and the law. Following her release, the Kentucky legislature altered state law to exclude clerks' names from marriage licenses.
Davis later lost her bid for re-election in 2018. This recent ruling sends a clear message that the court remains committed to upholding the rights guaranteed under the Constitution, affirming the dignity and freedom of all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation.
