Washington, D.C., November 7, 2025
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to review a petition from Kim Davis, a former Kentucky county clerk known for denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2015. Davis is seeking to overturn the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Legal experts view her petition as unlikely to succeed, as it could destabilize existing marriages and affect marital rights. The Court’s decision on whether to hear the case is anticipated soon.
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to review a petition from Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk known for her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2015. Davis is asking the Court to overturn the pivotal 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage across the United States. A decision on whether the Court will hear the case is expected as early as Monday.
After the Obergefell decision in 2015, Davis cited her religious beliefs as the reason for denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples, which led to a federal lawsuit. Recently, a jury awarded $100,000 in damages to plaintiffs David Ermold and David Moore, a same-sex couple she had refused to serve, along with an additional $260,000 in attorney’s fees and expenses.
Davis’s legal team argues that the Obergefell decision was “egregiously wrong” and should be reversed. They reference dissenting opinions from Justices Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, and Samuel Alito, with Justice Thomas having previously expressed interest in reexamining the ruling.
Legal experts view Davis’s petition as unlikely to succeed, as overturning Obergefell could create significant uncertainty surrounding the legal status of existing same-sex marriages and impact people who rely on the decision for their marital rights. The implications of the Supreme Court’s decision to accept or reject Davis’s case could shape the future of same-sex marriage rights in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Supreme Court considering?
The Supreme Court is considering a petition from Kim Davis, a former Kentucky county clerk, to overturn the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The Court is expected to announce its decision on whether to hear the case as early as Monday.
Why did Kim Davis refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples?
In 2015, following the Obergefell ruling, Kim Davis refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her religious beliefs. This led to a federal lawsuit, and in 2023, a jury awarded $100,000 in damages to David Ermold and David Moore, a same-sex couple she had denied a license. Additionally, the court imposed $260,000 in attorney’s fees and expenses.
What is the legal argument presented by Davis’s legal team?
Davis’s legal team argues that the Obergefell decision was “egregiously wrong” and should be overturned. They have invoked the opinions of Justices Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, and Samuel Alito, who dissented in the original ruling. Justice Thomas has previously expressed interest in revisiting the decision.
What are the potential implications if the Supreme Court overturns Obergefell v. Hodges?
Overturning Obergefell could disrupt the legal status of existing same-sex marriages and affect the lives of those who have relied on the decision. Legal experts consider Davis’s petition a long shot, and the Supreme Court’s decision to hear or decline the case will have significant implications for the future of same-sex marriage rights in the United States.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Petitioner | Kim Davis, former Kentucky county clerk |
| Original Case | Ermold v. Davis |
| Issue | Refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples |
| Damages Awarded | $100,000 to David Ermold and David Moore; $260,000 in attorney’s fees and expenses |
| Supreme Court’s Role | Consideration of petition to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges |
| Expected Decision | Announcement on whether to hear the case as early as Monday |
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