The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry under the 14th Amendment culminated a years-long struggle for marriage equality in the United States. The case at the center of this decision, Obergefell v. Hodges, was a consolidation of several lawsuits from Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee, where state bans on same-sex marriage were vigorously challenged. The plaintiffs, including James Obergefell, sought legal recognition for their relationships, particularly in light of Obergefell's wish to be listed on his deceased partner's death certificate. The Court heard oral arguments in April 2015, and by June, it had issued a tightly contested 5-4 decision, penned by Justice Anthony Kennedy, emphasizing the dignity and equal rights of same-sex couples.The ruling extended beyond mere symbolic recognition; it required states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and to recognize marriages performed in other jurisdictions. It relied heavily on principles of dignity, liberty, and equality grounded in the 14th Amendment’s Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses. The decision drew both celebration and condemnation, reflecting deep societal divides over LGBTQ+ issues. In the wake of the ruling, thousands of same-sex couples across the nation rushed to marry, celebrating their long-awaited rights in a historic moment marked by both joy and opposition. This ruling not only altered the landscape of American matrimonial law but also signaled profound changes in societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships.