The U.S. Supreme Court is set to deliberate on a significant challenge to marriage equality during a private meeting scheduled for November 7. This challenge is brought forward by Kim Davis, a former county clerk from Kentucky who gained notoriety for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples following the 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Davis’s refusal led to her being fined $100,000 and spending time in jail, as she cited her religious beliefs as the basis for her actions. In her appeal, Davis is asking the Supreme Court not only to reverse the sanctions imposed against her but also to overturn the legal ruling that established marriage equality.
This legal challenge comes at a time when there is a concerted effort in at least nine states to limit marriage rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. These moves reflect a larger trend among certain conservative factions advocating for states to regain control over marriage laws.
Despite these challenges, public sentiment regarding same-sex marriage appears to be on a positive trajectory. Recent Gallup polling data indicates that as of 2025, support for same-sex marriage among Americans stands at 70%, an increase from 60% in 2015. Notably, while overall support remains strong, Republican backing for same-sex marriage has declined to 41%.
As the Supreme Court weighs this case, it has the potential to significantly impact the legal landscape surrounding marriage rights, reflecting a larger cultural clash in America regarding LGBTQ+ issues.