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Fact check: What was the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges?

Checked on September 17, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, as stated by multiple sources, including [1], [2], [5], and [6], was that same-sex couples have the right to marry, with the court requiring all 50 states to perform and recognize same-sex marriages [1]. The ruling, which was made in 2015, was based on the idea that the right to marry is a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of the person [2]. The sources, including [4] and [6], also mention that the decision was made under the due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, guaranteeing same-sex couples the same right to marry as straight Americans [1]. The ruling has been seen as a defining moment in the country's legal history, with sources like [5] stating that excluding same-sex couples from civil marriage was unconstitutional.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

While the analyses from sources [3], [1], [4], [2], [5], and [6] provide a clear understanding of the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, there are some missing context and alternative viewpoints. For example, source [3] mentions that it is unlikely the court will overturn the decision anytime soon [3], but does not provide a direct quote of the ruling. Additionally, source [4] discusses a petition to overturn the decision, but does not provide further information on the status of the petition [4]. Furthermore, the analyses do not provide information on the potential implications of the ruling on other areas of law, such as adoption and inheritance rights. Sources like [5] and [6] provide some context on the impact of the ruling, but more information is needed to fully understand the scope of the decision.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asking about the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges is a neutral question, but the potential for misinformation or bias lies in the interpretation of the ruling. For example, sources like [3] and [4] may be seen as having a pro-marriage equality bias, as they discuss the ruling in a positive light and mention the unlikelihood of the decision being overturned [3]. On the other hand, sources like [5] and [6] may be seen as having a liberal bias, as they discuss the ruling as a defining moment in the country's legal history and emphasize the importance of equal protection under the law [5]. However, it is essential to note that the majority of the sources, including [1], [2], and [6], provide a fact-based analysis of the ruling, stating that the Supreme Court guaranteed same-sex couples the right to marry under the Constitution [1].

Want to dive deeper?
What were the key arguments presented in Obergefell v. Hodges?
How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges affect state laws on same-sex marriage?
What was the dissenting opinion in the Obergefell v. Hodges case?
How has the Obergefell v. Hodges decision influenced subsequent LGBTQ+ rights cases?
What role did Justice Anthony Kennedy play in the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling?