Overturning Obergefell? Idaho Pushes for Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

Chaplain Rick

All I care to know about same sex "marriages" is the primary Bible verse stating that marriage is between a man and a woman in Genesis 2:24: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.". These are from the Word of our Lord and Savior and if we are truly Ministers of God, we should follow it and not what the world says it should be. Consenting adults, love each other, does no harm, all are fine words to cover up the truth but we should be professing the Bible, not what is "acceptable". Then again, like all variations of thought, one will find what suit them best. To each their own. God bless everyone, regardless of their misunderstanding of the Bible. - Rev. Rick

JT Sunrise

The Fight for Love and Equality: A Call for Justice and Solidarity By Rev. JTSunrise

The news that Idaho is pushing to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, is a chilling reminder that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. It’s easy to think that once rights are enshrined in law, they are permanent. But in a world where the winds of political change blow fiercely, nothing is guaranteed.

In the wake of the Roe v. Wade reversal, we feared this moment might come. The same arguments used to strip away a woman’s right to choose are now being used to question the fundamental rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. And the terrifying truth is that many powerful voices are working tirelessly to erase the progress we’ve made toward equality, justice, and love.

The measure being pushed by Idaho lawmakers isn’t just a symbolic gesture; it’s a warning shot fired at the heart of our collective humanity. It calls into question the very essence of marriage, love, and personal liberty — principles that should never be subject to the whims of political forces. We are witnessing an attempt to deny love the full expression it deserves, to silence the voices of those who have fought for decades to be seen and heard.

As a society, we must ask ourselves: What are we afraid of? Why does the love between two consenting adults, regardless of their gender, pose such a threat? Why do some seek to dismantle the rights of their fellow citizens under the guise of “defending tradition” or “religious liberty”? These arguments are rooted in fear, not reason. They are a rejection of the truth that love transcends all boundaries, that justice is for all, and that the divine is present in every expression of love, regardless of how it is manifested.

The proponents of this resolution want us to believe that marriage is about “natural” definitions, that only a union between one man and one woman is sacred. But this is a distortion of the very nature of love. Love is not confined to a specific form. Love is not constrained by the limitations of human tradition. Love is sacred because it is universal, and it is a reflection of the divine that flows through each and every one of us. To deny the sanctity of love in all its forms is to deny the very essence of what makes us human.

Let us be clear: marriage is not the sole province of any one group. Marriage is a human right, not a political tool. We are all created equal in the eyes of the divine, and the love that binds two people together is no less sacred because they are of the same gender. It is time for us to recognize that love — real, honest, genuine love — is the force that unites us all. This is the divine truth we must stand by.

The threat of overturning Obergefell is not just a legal issue; it is a moral issue. It is a matter of whether we, as a society, will uphold the values of justice, compassion, and inclusion, or whether we will allow the forces of division and hate to win. We must choose love. We must choose solidarity with our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters. We must stand firm in the face of injustice and demand that every person, regardless of who they love, be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

The struggle for equality is not over. It is a battle that will continue as long as there are those who seek to oppress, divide, and harm. But we must not back down. We must rise to this challenge with unwavering faith in the power of love, justice, and human dignity.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we stand together as a people of faith and compassion. We must unite to protect the rights of those who are vulnerable, to defend the sanctity of love in all its forms, and to ensure that the blessings of equality, freedom, and justice are accessible to all.

Let us not be afraid. Let us not shrink from this fight. The love that binds us is stronger than any law, stronger than any hate, and stronger than any force that seeks to divide us. May we rise up, with love and determination, and ensure that the rights of all people are protected, upheld, and celebrated.

— Rev. JTSunrise

Wayne L Christensen

This court is filled with liars who should not have been allowed to serve in the capacity of the Supreme Court, and by denying a sitting President his rights and duties as the President , because of those that defy the Constitution and settled and ignore law and judicial norms, have damaged our democracy, embraced the ignorance of one party rule.

Daniel Gray

I am just amazed and astounded as I dont know if this is complete ignorance of the law or just a made up lie. We had one person claim they have a fried who married people to more then one spouse at the same time. Oh how I would love to be a fly on the wall when they tried to register these illegal marriage licenses at the court house, or God forbid, one of the bigamists tries to collect on a life insurance policy, or notify the local paper of their illegal spouses death in the paper. that is why when they tried to change this with that idiotic "sister Wives" TV show it got cancelled and the so called husband is now rotting in jail. Thats why when you hear of men or women marrying multiple partners without divorcing one first, it 100% of the time means they go to prison for a LONG time. And dont get me started on the fool that marries them as they are also looking at prison time https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/polygamy

Cheryl Anne Hamm

When these faux Christians actually read a Bible instead of being told what to do and what to believe and how to live their lives, they will continue to view the world and the people who do not share their beliefs as an evil that needs to be irradicated.

Tony Zoltai

//Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell//... //the right to contraception, interracial marriage, and same-sex marriage//

Lawrence v. Texas does not protect interracial marriage - it does protect the right to consensual gay sex.

The precedent for interracial marriage is Loving v. Virginia, and THAT one was NOT mentioned by Justice Thomas. Thomas is a black man, his wife Ginni is white. Draw your own conclusions.

Bridget Kielas-Fecyk

I agree with you there, there are many, unfortunately, in the ULC whom I've found are very homophobic and against same sex marriage, and also very transphobic and also very racist. I find it heartbreaking, to be candid.

The ULC is supposed to be dedicated to the idea of everyone, no matter who they are, being equals. But with that in mind, many times in the comments I see ones that are filled with hatred, bigotry, and even hints of cruelty. Hardline mindsets that dive people away from religion instead of drawing people to it. Even individuals who seem to be set on the idea of forcing people to follow religious doctrines on pain of legal punishment, or even physical punishment.

Same sex marriage has been protected for some time now. And interracial marriage has been protected for close to a century. And yet, more and more often I am seeing, both here in comments, and in legislatures in the USA, hardliners fighting tooth and nail to make these illegal, and bring the USA back to the early 1900's, when the word "Freedom" didn't mean everyone, but "a select few based on their gender, religion, and skin color".

We cannot backslide, ever, to that horrific time. No one should ever romanticize it, either, because that wasn't a romantic time, that was a terrible time filled with cruelty.

Dwight Hendricks

These same debates have been happening for decades. Same answers on both sides. God is love vs let’s marry sheep or sisters. This is why young people and, dare I say it, educated people, are moving far away from the church. I see it everywhere, young people are afraid of being brainwashed every Sunday. Can’t marry the person who loves and supports them regardless of sexuality, race, or religion. We as a country are truly sliding backwards. Unfortunately, Idont believe all of the damage has been done, there is so much more coming. The division is already evident and getting worse. Flocks are being pushed further away.

Dr. Reverend Tiffany Loyan Mitchell

I understand on why they want a ban on Same Sex Marriages. However, what happens if a Man finds a natural born Hermaphrodite? Or a Woman finds a natural born Hermaphrodite? What do you do for those type of people? Are the Hermaphrodites supposed to stay married to only Hermaphrodites? Just to clarify.... I am all natural born woman. I just need some clarity on that issue. And how do you tell if they are male Hermaphrodite or female Hermaphrodite is it the placement of whatever serial part is the first from under the belly button? My husband knows several of them so I am confused because I have not ever met them in person.

James Trenton Smith

IF YOU LOVE YOUR BROTHER, YOU WILL TELL HIM THE TRUTH.
The definition of Marriage was written by God the Father and is not subject to debate. Homosexuality is a mortal sin. Love truly is Love...as defined by God. However, homosexual sex is not synonymous with Love. If it were, Love would then be sinful. There is no argument that can be made here. Homosexual persons then may seek to be legally treated as married couples regarding taxation, insurance, and family discounts etc. This is not a problem. It has been the norm for some time in the form of Domestic Union. However, that does not seem to be good enough. Many gay persons want to be married in the same fashion as Man and Woman and seek to have the Church make allowances for them. Some even "fight" to see it done in all churches bearing a 501c3...or else.
To do so would require Gods Children to profess with their mouths and deeds that unions between Homosexual Couples and Straight Couples are one and the same thing...and they are not.

Rev Samantha Counihan

marriage isnt just for "1 man and 1 woman", love is love, which bigot nazis wont see, marriage is about love, no matter the sex or gender, 1 man + 1 woman = marriage, 1 man + 1 man = marriage, 1 woman + 1 woman = marriage etc. marriage isnt for just a man and a woman and saying otherwise is hate speech

Stephen Smith

Good job Idaho

Warren Calvin Wall

The government has no business regulating marriage at any level. As it stands today, a marriage is a contractual agreement between two people and the government. The government has complete control over whether you can get married or dissolve a marriage. It's all nonsense. It is none of the government's business who you intend to spend your life with. All that's really necessary is having a proper will and probate instructions. All that should be required to solemnize a marriage is a public notice and notification to involved parties (insurance, land title, etc.) showing evidence of the public notices. Same for dissolving the marriage. Also, a thorough prenuptial agreement should be done. Take the government out of any contractual agreement.

Bridget Kielas-Fecyk

This is completely wrong. Marriage should be among CONSENTING ADULTS. It does not mean "man and woman", but two ADULTS, nothing more, nothing less. But these want to take us back to the stone age. Where blacks and women have no rights, people cannot marry who they love, and, basically, back to the BAD old days.

Several religious groups in multiple states are now doing a hard push to make same-sex marriages illegal, but some are pushing to make interracial marriages illegal as well. It's not going to stop until WE stop them.

El Gringo

Please consider a reverse sensitivity. What has helped me explain how I can understand gay feelings. So many are saying that gays are bad people. I reverse check my feelings. If you put me in a room with 3 ugly women and 3 good looking guys, I will be attracted to the three ugly women. Good looking guys don't attract me. It then makes sense to me that gays who are attracted to same sex people do so because of something in their make up. I see so many couples that have been separated for years and they get back together because they loved each other Gays love each other in some way that I don't understand but I recognize their feelings.

Robert J. Hill

I believe our forefathers know more than most of the college educated souls we have running anything today . They were some pretty smart old boys and look now , we have degrees and education beyond anything they could ever fathom. Look at the mess we have allowed to happen . It’s not just one sided both sides for the last 60 plus years have let this nation slip to where it is today . Why is everybody so up in arms about something that should have never been allowed in the first place . We surely have bigger fish to fry .
Getting a bipartisan system in place should be one of the first things on the agenda but no let’s instead go after the president elect because the establishment is afraid of loosing their free ride .
Most of you people a smart people why are you not seeing that our government is taking from you your freedom , you livelihood, you bank account , the ability to to raise your children to have respect just to name a few things , I won’t speak on gay marriage you all would want me to voice my opinion , you won’t listen to reason anyway .

Robert J. Hill

Yes me too In It’s original writing .
Too many amendments . Let’s get back to the basics .

Donald G Magel

Our christian right has forsaken Christ for the their anti-christ, the Donald! He is gathering men like himself to direct our government agencies and the MAGAs still do not see what that means to them, the world, and our Nation.

Tom Herman

Always annoyed me when a bunch of zealots decide who you can love. Marriage is a contract (like any other contract) between two people. It's time those who want to control others MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS!!!

Beth

This is troubling on several levels.

Yes, I think same sex marriage should be legal! I also know there are laws requiring states to recognize the vital statistics of other states. What of people in Idaho who are already married to their same-sex partner?

If this falls, other things are not far behind, such as interracial marriage. Again, declaring married people to be unmarried without cause or a petition for dissolution of marriage is problematic.

Ronaldo

If it were up to me, I would end marriage as it is today. From a legal standpoint, marriage is just a contract between two people in which the State has too much say. If all the State could do is require certain considerations within the contract, such as what to do with children, finances, etc. should the union end, but not state what the contract specifically says, the People would have more freedoms to choose their own paths. Since the contract would be required before a marriage license can be issued, and must contain all the considerations required by the State, people wanting to get married would have to write their own agreements, which might make them reconsider marriage, especially if one party or the other wants unrealistic clauses in the contract. A prenuptial agreement would not be needed, as that would be built into the contract. Divorce courts would barely be needed, as how everything would be divided in the event of a breakup would also be in the contract, including various events that could trigger a divorce. Contract lawyers would be needed more often in contentious divorces than those specializing in the separations.

Rev. Donut

Yeah?

What gives you the right to determine who is or is not a "Christian"?

Does a person have to go to "church" to be a "Christian" ?

Or, is that just to show off the shiny new car?

I know people that go to church from both parties that practically, and in some cases literally, run to their car after "Church" and cut off their alleged Christian friends to get out of the church parking lot first while cursing anyone to beats them the front of the lot.

Do you eat? Do you poop?

Are you a legal citizen of the United States of America.

Get off your high horse.

The Marriage Minister

This is just the beginning! The so called Christians in the GOP seen to forget that we are created in God's image. These are not Christians, they are racist bigots.

Franklin Zepp

I am a straight, white guy. And although I am mostly conservative in my political views, I hope same-sex marriage continues as the current law states. Unfortunately, it's possible that it could be over-turned (but highly unlikely). Which would be a travesty in my opinion.

For same sex-marriage to cease, the Supreme Court would have to overturn its original June 26, 2015 ruling. The 5-4 decision legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states based on the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act which at the time prohibited same sex-marriage. Again, the Supreme Court found it violated the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Reading the GOP platform, Plan 47, and Project 2025, indicates no desire, at least in those documents, that the incoming administration wants to end same sex-marriage. This article may help: https://www.nclrights.org/2024-update-now-that-trump-has-been-elected-can-our-marriage-be-undone/

We can only hope that the Supreme Court will NOT overturn this nor make it a state rights issue like Roe V Wade.

Blessings!

Steven Ferrell

It should be up to each state to decide. It really is not a constitutional issue for the federal courts.
Let people decide for their state.

Kathryn Darcy Smith

NUMBER GOING TO HAPPEN. WE'RE WAY TOO FAR PAST THE FINISH LINE. STOP THE FAIRMONGERING!

Marie Hampton

My very 1st wedding ceremony was for a same sex couple! I bought a book for creating your own ceremony and let them design from that their dream wedding. What made it possible for me was their choice to leave God out of the wording of ceremony. There are biblical rules or 7 things God hates and one that's an abomination homosexuality. However, after my childhood upbringing in a strict Biblical guidance family, I learned that my father was gay, several cousins and my mother's sister. They were all in "proper" heterosexual marriage, but saught companions outside the marriage because their generation kept it "in the closet". Science has done a lot of work in understanding why or how a person forms sexual preference and has proven in many cases brain structures show reasons for that. From all of these enlightenments, I can accept homosexuality as a human trait possible because of scientific proof. There is a rainbow of variations too. A sexual to nymphomaniac, strait, bi and same sexual preferences, but in all of God's creations there are infinite possibilities so it's His grand design. Jesus gave 2 most significant laws: love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul. Secondly your neighbor as yourself. To this point love in the world is the biggest downfall of all since it seems that being derisive, rude, name calling, judgemental and generalizing entire groups of people as "this, that & the other" takes away the second most important observance of loveing your neighbor. Most of us don't even know our neighbors, show a kindness to our fellow (wo)man or have consideration for anyone be it a parking space or a road accident. We may as well be the robbed and left for dead Semite in ditch as people pass by without so much as a look up from our devices than be the one kind man who took pity and brought the Semite to the inn. People get real, be considerate and thoughtful because you never know what another is going through and if they're gay know it's one of the most discriminated groups in the world. Think... What if it was you God created "different" and give love as you're able to anyone especially if they're being discriminated against by one or a mob. Call for help if you can't help yourself. Love God and be a blessing to all along your way, even a smile can change an individual's day! Bless you.

Jeffrey Conner

If that happens. Maybe it's time to start over. Break up the Republican and Democratic Parties. Vote Everyone out of office. Only elect Independent Candidates no matter what. Make Congress and the Senate rule against it. A 2/3rd majority vote can override a Supreme Courts ruling.

Kenneth Charles Busi

From the legal perspective the US Constitution does not grant the federal government dominion over marriage law and therefore it is a states rights issue. Similar to Roe, the Oberkfel decision relied on manipulative jurisprudence and judicial activism. This can only be settled via constitutional amendment, else like Roe, each time there is a slight change in the culture it will continue to bounce around in the courts.

Keith David Harry

So two people love, respect and cherish each other. They devote their lives to each other. They are contributing members of the community. What they do in their bedroom is their business and no one else’s.

Ari Joseph Bertine

Of course equal marriage rights are threatened. The incoming administration is dead set on destroying religious freedom in America. Allowing a state to deny the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is a dreadful step back into dark ages.

I don't see how anyone can be surprised by this. Hatred for LGBT+ people is like black mold...it thrives in the dark corners of society, and has slowly been releasing its poison until it could creep back out to choke us all.

Kevin Joseph Kervick

Marriage is a way man codified the natural order of things while deterring unhealth. It gave social structure to safe and reliable procreation. Religion sanctified the natural order. Gay marriage was an imposition on common sense.

Rev Ned

I wonder of exactly what the Christofascists are afraid.

Mark Hannon

I really figured the last couple decades would be reversed sooner than later. No one will accuse me of being an optimist. Didn't someone once say that fascism would come draped in a flag and carrying a cross? No, it wasn't said by anyone in this particular manner. But this was said, "from Halford E. Luccock, in Keeping Life Out of Confusion (1938): “When and if fascism comes to America it will not be labeled ‘made in Germany’; it will not be marked with a swastika; it will not even be called fascism; it will be called, of course, ‘Americanism.'”

Karsten S. A. Johansson

Give them enough time, and MAGA will have the women covering their heads. In case you think only ME religions do that, consider what nuns wear, and the symbology behind it.

It shocks me that USA is tossing their advanced progressive reputation away, regressing into something that is backward and a little embarrassing.

Lawrence Pearce

Curious to know what does the ULC church and ULC ministers think of the Sharia Law of the Muslim religion that imposes the death penalty on gays and lesbians?

Cynthia Mandello

"Marriage" should be redefined as a purely religious ceremony and separated from a "Civil Union". "Marriage" should NOT CONFER any legal standing or advantage, such as a tax break or the ability to determine control over the other in the event of incapacitation. "Marriage" would then be left where it belongs: in the hands of individual religious denominations.

A "Civil Union" would then be the only method to confer legal standing. The question would then become, "can a State determine who can enter into a Civil union" which would essentially be a contract and subject to contract law. If the state were to say, "only between men & women" it would breech contract law.

If we remove the alleged morality issue AND the legal standing/advantages conferred by our current system of "marriage" it becomes moot as an issue.

Take away every "right" conferred by "marriage" in every legislative bill, operating procedure and contract unless it was also codified as a "Civil union".

A "mere husband/wife by marriage" could no longer automatically inherit, determine who could visit in a hospital, become automatically the guardian, file joint taxes, etc.

Change the nomenclature, change the status. Faux-Christians argument that "biblically a marriage is between a man & a woman" should have ZERO ability to conferred legal standing or advantages. Let their churches determine who can marry within their churches doctrine; take the State out of it entirely.

Christopher Jones

As a christian man, i do not believe in same sex marriage, but the holy bible also states that we shall not judge others less we be judged ourselves. i will not deny gay marriages if i am asked to perform one, and i will not bible thump anyone. i feel it is my job only to perform marriages; its gods job to take care of the rest.

Danny D. Maynard

Marriage is the act of changing one's inheritance to a person who is not (usually) a close blood relative. It has absolutely nothing to do with religion ... or any imaginary supernatural beings.

Ellen B. Wentzel

This discussion is one of many that involves judging others. Who are we to judge? I just wish that everyone would truly "love thy neighbor..."

Alexander Arends

Someone once said here: "keep religion out of politics" but I say keep politics out of religion. We are talking about marital vows but they already have become meaningless since "till death do us part" is no longer considered a part of a marriage contract. As far as same sex marriages, leave it as is, as long as it does not become mandatory for churches to perform such ceremonies.

James Riggle-Johnson

The LGBTQ community has been waiting for this since 2015 when Thomas and Alito wrote that this should be challenged at a future date. Thomas’s opinion that “Obergefell will continue to have ruinous consequences for religious liberty” is nonsense. Nobody is forcing religious institutions to perform same-sex marriages. The only people forced are those in positions that require them to serve the public. Positions like county clerks and judges were elected or hired to perform certain functions for all citizens. They should not be able to decide which citizens are worthy.

I’d like to believe that those of us already married would be grandfathered but that isn’t guaranteed. And future generations would not be allowed to benefit from the protection’s marriage guarantees like filing jointly on tax returns, making medical decisions for their spouse, and inheritance when a spouse dies.

I have witnessed family members who despised their son's life choices rush in when they were dying and ban their lifelong partner's access to them on their deathbed. They then collect all that person's personal belongings leaving the partner with nothing. Same-sex couples are forced to jump through legal hoops, which cost money, to ensure their rights, and many times those are challenged in court.

Some religious extremists predicted society would fall apart if we were allowed to marry and after 10 years society still stands. Of course, some of them would blame natural disasters on the LGBTQ community claiming it’s God’s punishment, but maybe God is punishing them for their actions. For the record, I do not believe God has anything to do with natural disasters. End of rant. Just my two cents.

ServantOfJudgement

Marriage is a practical term, it's an engineering term and a scientific term. It's not possible for two humans of the same gender to marry. They can hang out and commit to be with one another forever under love until death though. And why should this be a problem? Redefining words is where it gets messy and heels get dug in.

Only a woman can be a wife to a man and only a man can be a husband to a woman. Only the combination on man and fulfills the design of Man both body and mind.

Anything else is anything but marriage.

Reverend Paula Copp

What is wrong with two people wanting to be married? What is wrong with them being the same sex? As long as they’re not bothering anyone care? It’s not like my being gay is going to suddenly rub off on you… are they jealous?

Nicholas J Page

This doesn't happen in England leave people alone.

Robin Anne Hannon

I agree, next step is to outlaw mixed marriages. Perhaps they might nullify non-Christian marriages such as Jewish, Muslim, etc. Nothing would surprise me.

Daniel Gray

Why are people getting so worked up? The state legislators have not said they would pass this norm has it been introduced into a committee as is required under their laws. And yet you have people here losing their minds over this non issue

Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox

My trans child’s marriage hurts no one. Gerald Polis’s Gay marriage hurts no one. Clarence Thomas’s interracial marriage hurts no one. My parents’ inter religious marriage hurt no one. None of these have interfered with anyone’s ability to live their lives.

The whole “religious exemptions” thing is pure BS. Mind your own genitals.

Timothy C Stone

Other people's sex lives are none of my concern. And, same sex marriage has no effect or affect on my life. God bless a union of love.I have gay and lesbian friends. I once heard a comedian say ' I believe 'they' have as much right to be miserable as us other married couples.'

Rev. BH

Who is bothered by gay marriage? Who fears it or despises it? Why? I think those who do, the angry, the frightened, are the ones I do not wish to live next door or eat in my restaurant. These people are concerning, not a committed, loving couple.

Chris

These hypocrites need to keep their religion out of politics and out of people's personal lives. It harms nobody if two men or two women, or even multiple persons, want to marry so long as they are of legal age. It's nothing but legalized bigotry and hatred and discrimination.

For what it's worth, I live in the middle of Trumplandia, and I'm ordained. I am happy to perform any marriage so long as they meet the above criteria.

Joe Stutler

Xtian Nationalist theofascists are antithetical to the values of We The People. Don't give that mouse a cookie.

Bernard Lee Quintin

So where does it stop? First abortion, next gay marriage? It this article it mentions "interracial marriage" which would be rich since Clarence Thomas is married to a white woman! I would be okay with the term civil unions, or something else. But to expect people to live in the shadows or lie about who they love in the year "2025" that would be a shame!