what attorney argued for gay marriage before the supreme court

by Gertrude Bernhard 8 min read

Oral argument
The plaintiffs were represented by civil rights lawyer Mary Bonauto and Washington, D.C. lawyer Douglas Hallward-Driemeier. U.S. Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli Jr., representing the United States, also argued for the same-sex couples.

What did the Supreme Court rule in Obergefell V Hodges?

Hodges, legal case in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled (5–4) on June 26, 2015, that state bans on same-sex marriage and on recognizing same-sex marriages duly performed in other jurisdictions are unconstitutional under the due process and equal protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.Mar 28, 2022

What was Obergefell argument?

First, "the right to personal choice regarding marriage is inherent in the concept of individual autonomy." Second, "the right to marry is fundamental because it supports a two-person union unlike any other in its importance to the committed individuals," a principle applying equally to same-sex couples.

What Court case overturned the Defense of marriage Act?

Obergefell v. HodgesOn June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that the 14th Amendment requires all U.S. state laws to recognize same-sex marriages. This left Section 2 of DOMA as superseded and unenforceable.

Why did Jim Obergefell sue?

Obergefell had sued the state of Ohio in 2013, due to that state's lack of legal recognition of Obergefell's marriage to his husband, John Arthur.

Who won the Obergefell vs Hodges case?

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court held in a 5–4 decision that the Fourteenth Amendment requires all states to grant same-sex marriages and recognize same-sex marriages granted in other states. The Court overruled its prior decision in Baker v. Nelson, which the Sixth Circuit had invoked as precedent.

Who won Romer v Evans?

The Court ruled in a 6–3 decision that a state constitutional amendment in Colorado preventing protected status based upon homosexuality or bisexuality did not satisfy the Equal Protection Clause.

Why was the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional?

The Supreme Court, in a 5–4 decision written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), P.L. 104-199, is unconstitutional because it violates the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause by denying equal protection to same-sex couples who are lawfully married in their states (Windsor, No.Jul 31, 2013

Why did the Supreme Court decide DOMA was unconstitutional?

The opinions of Roberts and Scalia offered different interpretations of the majority ruling. Roberts said the majority opinion was based on federalism, finding DOMA unconstitutional because the federal government was interfering with state control of marriage.

What did United States v Windsor decide?

In a landmark decision issued on June 27, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of DOMA is unconstitutional and that the federal government cannot discriminate against married lesbian and gay couples for the purposes of determining federal benefits and protections.

When did John Arthur pass away?

October 22, 2013John Arthur / Date of death

Which state was the first to allow gay marriage?

In 2003, she was the lead counsel in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, which made Massachusetts the first state where same-sex couples could legally marry.

Who is the former acting solicitor general for same sex couples?

Former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal, who has represented same-sex couples, said the combination of the two lawyers will provide a good mix for the justices. “With Mary, they are getting someone who represents not just the history, but the conscience, of this issue,” he said.

Who inspired Hallward-Driemeier?

A Rhodes scholar who attended Harvard Law, Hallward-Driemeier, 48, said he was inspired in law school by Justice Thurgood Marshall, who as a young lawyer changed the civil rights landscape and “helped to make our country a better place and helped it to live up to its stated ideals.”.

Who is Hallward-Driemeier married to?

A partner at Ropes & Gray LLP in Washington, Hallward-Driemeier, has been married to his wife, Mary, for 19 years. He said that in the end, he sees the case as about family.

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