SCOTUS legalizes same-sex marriage nationwide in Obergefell v. Hodges

The Supreme Court rules 5-4 in Obergefell v. Hodges that the Fourteenth Amendment requires states to license and recognize same-sex marriages. Justice Anthony Kennedy writes that marriage is a fundamental right and the reasons marriage is fundamental apply equally to same-sex couples. States can no longer deny marriage to same-sex couples. Kennedy states: No longer may this liberty be denied to them. Same-sex couples can exercise the fundamental right to marry. The decision strikes down marriage bans in 14 states and marks a watershed moment for LGBTQ rights.