Idaho Republicans urge Supreme Court to overturn same-sex marriage ruling
- The Idaho House passed a resolution requesting the Supreme Court to reconsider its Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, which legally recognized same-sex marriage.
- The resolution suggests that the Obergefell decision is unconstitutional and calls for a return of marriage regulation to individual states.
- This action reflects a broader trend of conservative backlash against LGBTQ+ rights facilitated by recent judicial shifts, despite majority public support for marriage equality.
In Idaho, on a Monday, the state's House of Representatives, predominantly composed of Republican members, passed a resolution urging the Supreme Court to reconsider its Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, which established same-sex marriage as a constitutional right in 2015. The resolution, approved by a vote of 46-24, reflects a growing trend of right-wing opposition to LGBT+ rights, particularly in the wake of shifts in the U.S. judicial landscape under recent conservative administrations. Only 15 of the 60 Republican representatives opposed the resolution, indicating a significant level of support for this initiative among the GOP legislators. This political move echoes sentiments expressed by Justice Clarence Thomas, who, in a concurring opinion regarding the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case, suggested that the Court could revisit its substantive due process precedents, including Obergefell. Lawmakers in Idaho claim that the Obergefell ruling contradicts the Constitution and advocate for the issue of marriage to be returned to state control. They argue that historical definitions of marriage, being between one man and one woman, should be restored. Opponents of the resolution, including LGBTQ+ advocates and various legal organizations, have voiced their concerns, labeling the resolution as a political gesture lacking real power, describing it as an affront to rights enshrined by the federal government. Sarah Warbelow of the Human Rights Campaign remarked that such resolutions cannot alter the fact that federal protections exist for same-sex couples under the Respect for Marriage Act. With majority public opinion supporting marriage equality, these legislative actions are seen as out of step with broader societal views. Critics highlight that Idaho's House should focus on more pressing legislative matters rather than engage in symbolic politics that may incite division and perpetuate discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.