Which case legalized same-sex marriage nationwide?

• A. Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)
• B. Lawrence v. Texas (2003)
• C. Roe v. Wade (1973)
• D. Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992)

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is that the Constitution protects the right to marry for same-sex couples nationwide. In Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), the Supreme Court held that same-sex marriages must be recognized and that states must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and recognize those marriages performed elsewhere. The Court reasoned that the right to marry is a fundamental liberty inherent to individual autonomy and dignity, and denying this right to same-sex couples violates both due process and equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment. Because it establishes a nationwide standard requiring all states to permit and recognize same-sex marriages, it directly answers the question of nationwide legalization.

Lawrence v. Texas (2003) dealt with striking down criminal sodomy laws by recognizing a liberty interest, but it did not address marriage or nationwide recognition. Roe v. Wade (1973) concerns abortion rights, and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) refined abortion standards; neither case grants or discusses a nationwide right to same-sex marriage.