June 26 marks a significant milestone: it has been ten years since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
This landmark decision sparked celebrations not only in Washington D.C. but also in Chicago and across Illinois, where same-sex marriage had already been legalized prior to the ruling.
At the time of the ruling, ABC7 Chicago spoke with Jim Bennett from Lambda Legal and Harold Krent, a law professor at the Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Both legal experts expressed optimism that the battle for same-sex marriage was largely resolved.
However, reflecting on the past decade, they acknowledge that the landscape has shifted considerably.
When asked about the future of same-sex marriage, Krent highlighted some potential concerns, noting, “It’s not directly in danger, but there are some warning signs along the path.”
He pointed out that only two justices who ruled in favor of same-sex marriage remain on the Supreme Court, as three Trump appointees now occupy seats on the bench.
This change has raised concerns about the potential for future challenges to the ruling.
Additionally, Krent mentioned the recent actions of some state legislatures that are attempting to bring the issue of same-sex marriage back into public discourse, and highlighted a declaration from the Southern Baptist Convention, which has prioritized efforts to overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Conversely, Bennett addressed public sentiment regarding same-sex marriage, stating, “Ten years later, marriage still enjoys its highest level of acceptance, around 70 percent.”
While acceptance has declined among some Republican groups, it has seen increases among Democrats and Independents.
Bennett also expressed surprise at the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump.
He emphasized that the current sociopolitical climate warrants vigilance regarding the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Krent noted that for the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage, a new case would need to be presented to the court.
As of now, no such case has been filed, but Krent anticipates challenges centered around religious rights may emerge in the future.
The implications of the 2015 ruling extended beyond the ability to marry for same-sex couples; it provided critical recognition of their rights.
Krent remarked, “More than anything, words matter. To be considered completely equal and to have the institution of marriage recognized was huge for lesbian and gay couples.”
He noted that approximately 750,000 couples nationwide have tied the knot since the ruling, which has served to normalize same-sex relationships in society.
The ability for individuals to make significant life decisions, handle family matters, and access healthcare has been fundamentally enhanced for married same-sex couples.
Prior to the ruling, LGBTQ+ individuals faced complicated legal challenges when traveling between states, needing to carry documents to prove their marital status and protect their rights.
Now, they are able to live more normal and equal lives without that constant concern, thanks to the protections the ruling provides.
As the LGBTQ+ community reflects on the progress made over the last ten years, they remain alert to the evolving political landscape and its potential implications for their rights.
image source from：abc7chicago
