It’s been a full decade since the U.S. Supreme Court made its landmark decision that changed the landscape of marriage laws across the country.
On June 26, 2015, the Court ruled that same-sex marriage was a constitutional right — a move that sparked major cultural shifts and continues to ripple through American society today.
But now, ten years later, a new wave of debates is resurfacing — with concerns ranging from religious freedom and parental rights to the broader implications on gender identity and family structure.
The Supreme Court Decision That Changed Everything
Back in 2015, the justices voted 5–4 in the Obergefell v. Hodges case, requiring all 50 states to legalize and recognize same-sex marriages.
At the time, only 16 states had formally legalized it, though lower courts had already paved the way for the practice in over 20 others.
The ruling was seen by many as a victory for LGBTQ+ rights.
But others — especially in religious and conservative communities — feared it opened the door to new legal and social tensions.
And in the years since, those fears have turned into real courtroom battles.
Religious Beliefs vs. Anti-Discrimination Laws
Since Obergefell, Christians and faith-based professionals have found themselves caught between their beliefs and the law.
For example, Colorado baker Jack Phillips fought three lawsuits for refusing to create custom cakes for same-sex and gender-transition events. He eventually won — but the process took years.
Other similar cases have popped up. A Christian photographer in New York and a web designer in Colorado also refused to offer their services for same-sex weddings, citing religious convictions.
They, too, ended up in legal battles that dragged on for years before being resolved.
Parents and States Clash Over Gender Policies
Beyond business owners, parents are also challenging state policies.
In California, a group of parents is suing the state over a law that bars teachers from telling parents if their children identify as a different gender or sexual orientation at school.
In Vermont and Oregon, foster parents and adoptive families are taking legal action, arguing they were excluded from state programs because they wouldn’t embrace certain aspects of gender ideology.
Cultural Shifts and Backlash
When the Obergefell decision came down, about 60% of Americans supported same-sex marriage.
By 2025, that number had risen to around 68%, according to Gallup.
However, support has slightly declined since peaking at 71% in 2022–2023 — especially among young people and Republican voters.
Mary Rice Hasson, a researcher with the Ethics and Public Policy Center, believes the cultural excesses that followed the ruling — like graphic pride parades or policies about gender self-identification — may be contributing to this shift.
Calls to Reverse the Ruling
Though the Supreme Court has not revisited Obergefell, advocacy groups like MassResistance are pushing for state lawmakers to urge the Court to take another look.
A few state houses — including Idaho and North Dakota — have passed such resolutions, but most haven’t gained traction.
Critics argue that marriage should remain a state issue and that redefining it at the federal level was a mistake.
They also raise questions about the neutrality of some Supreme Court justices who officiated same-sex weddings prior to the ruling.
The Ripple Effect on Gender Identity and Children
Jennifer Morse, president of the Ruth Institute, argues that removing gender from marriage laws has had a domino effect.
She says it paved the way for broader acceptance of gender fluidity, impacted parental rights, and altered how society views children — no longer as gifts, but as lifestyle choices.
“Redefining marriage redefines parenthood,” Morse said.
“It shifts the foundation of family from love and biology to contracts and adult preferences.”
The Catholic Church’s Response
Even as public support for same-sex marriage grows, the Catholic Church has held firm in its teachings.
However, a 2024 Pew survey showed that 70% of American Catholics still support the legal recognition of same-sex marriage — slightly more than the national average.
Julia Dezelski from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops says that’s a reflection of broader cultural influence.
She believes the Church’s position is often misunderstood as unloving, but in reality, it’s based on a theological understanding of human sexuality and the complementarity of men and women.
What Comes Next?
While some conservative groups continue working to overturn Obergefell, legal experts suggest it’s unlikely the current Supreme Court would revisit the ruling anytime soon.
Still, with so many court cases and social debates still unfolding, the conversation around marriage, gender, and parental rights is far from over.
As Arthur Schaper from MassResistance put it, “We’re not giving up.
If people stand their ground and speak the truth, we believe change is still possible.”