Obergefell v. Hodges

"The decision to marry is inherent in the concept of individual autonomy."

"Those who seek to marry one another have faith in what they seek to accomplish."

"They seek not to demean marriage but to achieve or protect its recognition."

"The respondent States contend that they have legitimate interests that should prevail. None of these interests is sufficient to justify the exclusion."

"Divorce laws can address the concern about dissolution of unstable marriages."

"The exclusion of same-sex couples cannot be understood as a response to religious or traditional concerns about same-sex unions."

"Many religious traditions embrace the same-sex unions."

"It is the deep commitment these couples have that makes them worthy of the law's recognition."

"The Nation's essential interests are not implicated in any way by allowing same-sex marriage."

"The Court is now of the view that the differing treatment cannot be justified by any legitimate state purpose."

"Under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, the Court holds that the right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples."

"Under the Equal Protection Clause, discrimination against same-sex couples cannot stand."

"The judgment of the Court of Appeals is reversed, insofar as it held that same-sex marriage is not protected by the Constitution."

"It is now clear that the reasons relating to the exercise of this liberty interest are of the utmost concern to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples."

"In all respects, marriage embodies the choices we must make about how to live our lives and order our relationships."

"The decision in this case will strengthen the institution of marriage and affirm our commitment to the ideals of liberty and equality."

"The petitioners put forward the affirmative case for their liberty interest with clarity and force."

"Their arguments have been heard and their concerns are worthy of this Court's attention."

"They seek in marriage the same legal treatment as opposite-sex married couples."

"This is not a revolutionary proposal but a recognition of existing reality."

"The Constitution protects the right to same-sex marriage."

"This is a momentous decision in the life of our nation."

"It is an affirmation that the promise of the Constitution is a promise to all of our people."

"Justice is not always obvious to the naked eye."

"But when the Constitution speaks, we must listen."

"The Constitution grants dignity to all persons."

"Same-sex couples deserve nothing less."

"The right to marry, to have one's marriage recognized, is a fundamental right secured by the Constitution."

"This right extends to same-sex couples."

"No state may deny this right."