Idaho Lawmakers Urge Supreme Court to Reconsider Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

There's a big political stir brewing in Idaho as a group from within its Republican ranks pushes forward a legislative plan. Their aim? To nudge, or more accurately, prod, at that landmark 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in *Obergefell v. Hodges*. This decision, a historic one, made same-sex marriage legal across America. It's not a first-time effort—similar attempts didn't get far last year—but here they are, ready and raring again.

Leading this charge, State Representative Tony Wisniewski has put together a joint memorial. That might sound fancy, but it boils down a formal message asking another governmental body—yep, you guessed it, like a "Supreme Court, please reconsider." And why? He claims they got it wrong back in 2015 when interpreting what "liberty" meant at this country's founding.

Looking at marriage laws with fresh eyes

The core argument here? They think calling due process a "dangerous fiction" shows a serious misstep, although some historical references have been left out this time. Rep. Wisniewski has a strong stance on this, believing that marriage laws are better off in state hands rather than being a federal matter. He argues, "Government didn't invent families or marriage; they need a reminder that family forms society's core."

The debate on same-sex parenting continues

Wisniewski has gone on record saying kids do best with moms and dads. But research isn't on his side. Take a deep dive, like those folks at Cornell University did, and you'll see a different picture. They sifted through 79 studies, finding in 75 that kids with same-sex parents are doing just as great as those with different-sex parents.

The House State Affairs Committee has given this measure a nod, which means a public hearing isn't far off. But even if it clears both Idaho's House and Senate hurdles, it can't rewrite laws or force a change by SCOTUS—it's more a shoutout saying, "Hey, think it over!"

This isn't Idaho's first rodeo, either. Last year, Rep. Heather Scott got a similar measure past Idaho's House, but it hit a dead end in Senate. Democrats at that point were pretty vocal, calling it an unnecessary diversion when there were more pressing issues in need.

A look back at history and beyond

Idahoans are no strangers when it comes down this road. In 2006, a same-sex marriage ban passed, only later overturned in 2014 by a federal judge. Then, with a sweep, 2015 came along and made it all legal coast-to-coast.

This renewed effort has many worried, from LGBTQ+ advocates right up through legal corners. Big voices are noting marriage equality's uncertain trajectory. Justice Amy Coney Barrett recently voiced her belief in its staying power, despite its broad implications. Then again, after *Roe v. Wade* was overturned, alarm bells sounded louder. Justice Clarence Thomas even suggested that if *Roe* could be axed, so might marriage equality. Justice Samuel Alito, critical yet mindful, still sees why respecting that decision matters.

Don't forget, Justice Anthony Kennedy, who penned that watershed opinion on marriage equality, stands by it staunchly, basing it on principles he believes are here forever.

With Idaho's legislative winds shifting, many in and supporting LGBTQ+ spheres watch closely, keen on what's ahead. It's a reminder that staying informed and involved in these discussions isn't just wise—it's essential.

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