Last Christmas, Kat Tenbarge and her fiancée Anna Iovine were in high spirits, diving headfirst with excitement as they planned their wedding. Amidst picking out venues and detailing their big day, a nag in their minds lingered about what might lie ahead regarding marriage equality in America.
Living in New York, they chose an art museum in Cincinnati, Ohio, as their wedding venue. This choice was not just about Tenbarge's grandparents, who find travel challenging due age, but also about finding a more affordable option than what NYC had on offer.
Kat, who writes freelance and runs her own newsletter called *Spirfire News*, mentioned with a chuckle that she and Anna half-jokingly thought about what they'd do if same-sex marriage laws got overturned. If that were ever a thing, their plan was still a party and a legal marriage ceremony in New York, a state that backed marriage equality long before it became nationwide in 2015.
Rising concerns among same-sex couples
The idea that marriage equality might be rolled back sparks real concern in many same-sex couples. A recent study showed that about 80% were “very” or “somewhat” worried about this ruling getting thrown out.
Ellie Nelson and her wife Alecks, who got hitched in 2024, told KMTV about their worries. Ellie didn't mince words, "I'm not really holding my breath about [the Supreme Court] taking this on, and if they do, I'm pretty sure what that call would be."
The same sense was shared by Gideon Levinson, as he preps his wedding with Jacob Rosenblum, telling Scripps News, “It's like nothing's set in stone anymore,” showing a very real uncertainty felt by many.
A long road traveled toward marriage equality
A hard-fought battle, marriage equality in America didn't come easy. Jim Obergefell—a name now etched in history—was one leading this charge in a case that brought about legalized same-sex marriage in 2015. It all started because Ohio wouldn't acknowledge his marriage with his late partner John Arthur, despite having a legit marriage license from Maryland.
Before that landmark Supreme Court decision, states had their own rules, with some permitting same-sex marriages while others like Ohio held firm bans. Justice Anthony Kennedy, with his words in 2015, told us that such bans were unconstitutional, giving same-sex couples "equal dignity in eyes law."
Fast-forward ten years, and there's anxiety resurfacing thanks in part figures like Kim Davis, a clerk from Kentucky who became notorious when she refused marriage licenses same-sex couples, stirring campaigns that could shake this legal ground again.
Politics and legislation: The ongoing tug-of-war
Concerns over LGBTQ+ rights have escalated since Trump's time in office, with several executive orders perceived as anti-LGBTQ+ stacking up, along with some states pushing back on marriage equality.
Despite these hurdles, a good number legal minds think any move against this won't stick. The Respect Marriage Act, signed by President Biden in 2022, means same-sex and interracial marriages must be recognized every state, a vital safeguard no doubt.
Still, just chatter about undermining marriage equality has driven folks like Tenbarge make sure they're seen and heard. “Thinking back my queer teen years, it was all rainbow everything, but now I feel more need speak up. Visibility matters especially younger people,” she shared.
Peering ahead: What's in store marriage equality?
Should marriage equality laws face a reversal, it would be akin what happened with Roe vs. Wade in 2022; states would decide on their own again. Yet, experts say protections in place are tough enough fend off any challenges.
As we navigate these uncertain times, Tenbarge, Iovine, countless others are steadfast in celebrating love no matter what's on horizon. “We're tying knot in red state because queer folks exist everywhere, and they should see us living our truths,” Tenbarge affirmed.
Amidst it all, LGBTQ+ community's resilience and visibility remain key, sparking hope and pushing forward momentum future generations.
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