June 26, 2025 marks a powerful milestone in American history—the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, the ruling that made same-sex marriage legal across all 50 states. For millions of LGBTQ+ Americans and their allies, June 26 isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a symbol of love, dignity, and the enduring pursuit of equality.
A Landmark Decision
On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5–4 decision that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples under the Fourteenth Amendment. Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy stated:
“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family... They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”
This ruling wasn’t just a legal triumph—it was a deeply personal victory for couples who had long been denied the right to publicly affirm their love and commitment. For people like Jim Obergefell, whose lawsuit was borne out of love for his late husband John Arthur, the case became an enduring testament to the personal stakes behind civil rights litigation.
A Decade of Progress—and Continued Work
Over the past decade, more than a million same-sex couples have married in the U.S., building families, sharing legal protections, and celebrating love openly. LGBTQ+ representation in media, politics, and business has grown. Young people today are coming of age in a society where same-sex marriage is not just legal—it’s part of the national fabric.
Yet the journey toward full equality is far from over. Across the country, LGBTQ+ individuals still face discrimination in housing, healthcare, and employment. Transgender rights are under attack in many states. Pride remains both a celebration and a protest—a reminder that visibility and activism must go hand in hand.
Honoring the Anniversary
As we celebrate this 10-year anniversary, here are a few ways to honor the legacy of Obergefell v. Hodges:
- Celebrate Love Stories: Share stories—your own or others’—of love, marriage, and resilience. Personal narratives are powerful tools for empathy and understanding.
- Support LGBTQ+ Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with nonprofits working to protect and expand LGBTQ+ rights.
- Educate and Advocate: Speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Use your voice and your vote to champion equality and inclusion.
- Reflect on the Progress: Take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come—and to recognize those who paved the way, from early activists to the brave plaintiffs who took their cases to the highest court.
Looking Ahead
The spirit of Obergefell reminds us that change is possible—that the arc of the moral universe does bend toward justice, even if slowly. As we mark this 10th anniversary, we recommit ourselves to the ideals that fueled the movement: love is love, families come in all forms, and everyone deserves equal dignity under the law.
Here’s to love, to equality, and to the road still ahead.
Happy 10th Anniversary, Obergefell v. Hodges.
