In the 2015 case of Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment protects the right of same-sex couples to marry. Now, some are encouraging Congress to pass a law that would codify this right in order to strengthen its protections. The current lame duck Congress is set to vote on this bill before its successors’s new term begins.  

Those who argue that the United States Congress should codify same-sex marriage argue that doing so is essential to protecting the rights of same-sex couples. They argue that the Supreme Court could choose to reconsider its ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, and it could overturn it like it recently overturned Roe v. Wade. This side may argue that same-sex marriage ought to be protected so that same-sex couples can enjoy the same rights and privileges as heterosexual couples.  

Those who argue that the United States Congress should not codify same-sex marriage argue that doing so undermines traditional marriage. They argue that until very recently, societies have viewed marriage as an institution between a man and a woman. Changing that, they argue, is detrimental to communities as a whole. Some may also argue that codifying same-sex marriage is unnecessary because of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell.  

So, what do you think? Should the United States Congress Codify Same-Sex Marriage? Students can answer Yes, it should; No, it should not; or a nuanced answer in between! Be sure to submit your answers by December 14th to have a chance at winning this week’s competition.