1. United States
2. Idaho
3. Letter

The resolution introduced by the Idaho Legislature calling for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide is misguided. The Obergefell v. Hodges ruling in 2015 rightfully recognized that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. This landmark decision upheld the fundamental freedoms and dignity of LGBTQ+ Americans. Seeking to overturn this ruling based on an appeal to religious doctrine undermines the constitutional separation of church and state. Laws must be grounded in secular principles of equality and justice for all citizens, not imposed religious beliefs. Defining marriage through a religious lens imposes those views on all citizens and infringes on the civil liberties of those who do not share those beliefs. Furthermore, the resolution's claims about upholding states' rights are meritless. The 14th Amendment affirms that no state can deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law. Nationwide marriage equality simply affirms equal rights and protections for LGBTQ+ Americans across all states. I urge you to reject this misguided resolution that seeks to strip away hard-won rights and relegate LGBTQ+ citizens to second-class status based on religious doctrine rather than constitutional principles of equality. Protecting all Americans' freedoms and dignity should be the priority.