Supreme Court Declines to Reconsider Same-Sex Marriage Case
On Monday morning, the Supreme Court rejected a request from Kim Davis, a former Kentucky county clerk, to revisit its 2015 ruling that established a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.
In a brief, unsigned order, the Court denied Davis' petition to review a federal appeals court decision that upheld a $100,000 award to a gay couple, David Moore and David Ermold, after Davis refused to issue their marriage license.
Davis' petition also sought to overturn the landmark 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, claiming that the right to same-sex marriage lacks constitutional foundation. The Court, as usual, did not explain its refusal to hear the case, and no justices publicly dissented from the decision.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict originated more than ten years ago, following the Obergefell ruling. As part of her duties, Davis was responsible for issuing marriage licenses but refused to issue one to the gay couple. Subsequently, she ceased issuing marriage licenses to any couples, regardless of their orientation.
"A right to same-sex marriage had no basis in the Constitution."
Summary
The Supreme Court's refusal to reopen the debate upholds the constitutional right to same-sex marriage and affirms lower court rulings against Kim Davis.