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Alito Defends Obergefell, Critiques Originalist Judges' Approach

10/4/2025

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Alito Defends Obergefell

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito says he does not seek to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges.
He argues Obergefell deserves respect under the doctrine of stare decisis.
Alito criticizes some judges' originalist approach and warns against misinterpreting the Constitution.
Speaking at a Washington conference, he notes Kim Davis's case is before the court as it weighs LGBT rights and presidential powers.

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Ishiba Supports Equality

Japan's government has extended nine laws for spousal rights of same-sex couples.
The constitution defines marriage as between 'both sexes' and does not recognize same-sex unions.
Regional rulings deem the lack of recognition unconstitutional, though the National Diet has yet to act.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has publicly supported same-sex couples, saying marriage equality would boost national happiness.

History

Historical Context

The 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges established same-sex marriage as a constitutional right, overturning the 1972 Baker v. Nelson decision. This landmark case, supported by Justice Anthony Kennedy, followed decades of advocacy for LGBT rights, including the 2003 Massachusetts legalization of same-sex marriage. Ongoing debates, like those in Japan regarding spousal rights, underscore the evolving legal landscape of marriage equality.

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Alito Defends Obergefell

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito says he does not seek to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges.
He argues Obergefell deserves respect under the doctrine of stare decisis.
Alito criticizes some judges' originalist approach and warns against misinterpreting the Constitution.
Speaking at a Washington conference, he notes Kim Davis's case is before the court as it weighs LGBT rights and presidential powers.

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