The issue of gender equality in marriage has been a controversial topic across the globe. With more people beginning to understand and accept the concept of homosexual relationships, a lot of pressure has been put on the governments of the world. There has been an increasing demand that laws should accommodate the interests of homosexual people.

For countless decades the world has been trying to challenge ancient views; some of which date as far back as the beginning of humanity. But gay relationships are still seen as illegitimate, let alone same-sex marriages.

In the United States, the laws on same-sex marriages were ambiguous. While in some states this was legally acceptable, some states had a ban against this.

The Ruling

Previously (in 1972) a case was held in the Supreme Court regarding the laws that condemned same-sex marriages. This was the Baker v. Nelson case where the Supreme Court came to the decision that refusing to legalise same-sex marriages did not go against the US constitution. It was because of this that not much advancement has been made since then.

However, on the 26th of June, in 2015, Obergefell v. Hodges was held as a case in the Supreme Court. They debated, discussed and then came to a final decision. The Obergefell v. Hodges case went against – and overrode – the Baker v. Nelson.

Now a marriage bond constituting of 2 people of the same gender is recognised and permitted by the law of the United States of America. This law is effective across every state in America as well any territories and possessions of the United States.

The Reason Behind the Law

It is a surprise that this law was passed since many people are still against homosexuality – due to religious reasons or personal views. However, when James Obergefell appealed for this case, he was thinking about equality.  Was it fair that the rest of the population could turn their relationships into a strong commitment like marriage but homosexual couples couldn’t?

In America, there was no prohibition on a same-sex relationship so it did not make sense that there would be a prohibition on marriages.

Views on the Law

Legalising same-sex marriages affects mostly those who are currently in a same-sex relationship; and more importantly those who are considering marriage. Their friends and families will be affected, but apart from these people no one else will be affected directly.

Despite this, there are people who have faulted this law. In primaries made up mostly of conservatives who are religious, Republicans are of the opinion that this issue should have been something that the citizens of America should decide, rather that the Supreme Court.

America is a largely Christian country, so the views of many people are bound to be influenced by their faith.

The Future

This law has eased people’s affairs as well as brought hope to many people. If the issue of homosexuality has been tackled this much then what is to say whether the fall of other issues (like racism or extremism) will come to an end soon.