Supreme Court Heard Arguments On Same-Sex Marriage Today
Supreme Court Heard Arguments On Same-Sex Marriage Today
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on same sex marriage today. Arguably one of the nation’s hottest hot topics, SCOTUS is preparing to drop the hammer once and for all on whether I can marry Brad Pitt. The actual decision won’t surface until June, which is fine because… summer wedding!The justices heard two and a half hours of arguments today. The big questions up for decision are:
Are states required to issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples under the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
Must these marriages, licensed in states where such is legal, be recognized in states where it is not legal under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution?
The main pro-gay marriage argument is that marriage is a fundamental right, according to past SCOTUS rulings. Denying any U.S. citizen a fundamental right bears strict scrutiny. The nay-sayers bleat that the fundamental right refers to “traditional” marriage defined as being between a man and a woman. Ergo, since LGBTQ’s aren’t included in the dictionary definition of marriage, SCOTUS cannot possibly find in favor of gay marriage.Funny thing, definitions. Back in “the day” (pre-June 12, 1967), the definition of “traditional” marriage didn’t include interracial unions regardless of the parties’ genders. In Loving v. Virginia, SCOTUS ruled that the races may intermarry and changed the face of the nation. Misters Rubio, Shaerr, et. al. must’ve been dozing during that case in law school.It’s interesting to note that many of the nay-sayers also argue that SCOTUS has no place deciding this issue, that it is a states’ right to decide. They rant on that legislators and the people are the ones who should have that power over the lives of other human beings.Currently, at least 36 of the 50 states have legalized same-sex marriage and over 70% of Americans live in these states. It seems to me that the people are speaking and that it’s time for change.By the way, Brad and I are registered at Saks in case you’re interested.Source:Supreme Court Will Begin Hearing Arguments On Same Sex Marriage TodayGay Marriage Arguments Divide Supreme Court Justices
About Jay W. Belle Isle
Before becoming LegalReader's Editor-in-Chief, Jay W. Belle Isle worked as a freelance copywriter with clients on four continents. Jay has a degree in Business Administration from Cleary University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Jay has also worked as a contracts administrator for a DOD contractor specializing in vehicle armor.