A Decade of Change: Reflecting on the Impact of Marriage Equality Since Obergefell v. Hodges

It has been 10 years since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage .

In 2015, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, declaring same-sex marriage a constitutional right under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Same-sex marriage became legal here in Connecticut back in 2008, and while it was recognized in the state, that did not always remain the case if couples traveled to other states.

RELATED: West Hartford Pride celebrates unity amid ongoing challenges for LGBTQ+ rights

“There is something about being able to say, 'This is my husband,” said Rev. Darrell Goodwin, who married his husband Kentavis in 2022.

Years ago, Goodwin was on the forefront of marriage equality in Washington, and says while he was able to bless same-sex couples as a pastor in Seattle, he had to give the couples packets so they could fight to get similar rights to their heterosexual counterparts.

“I had funerals as a local church pastor, where families came in and decided that they had the legal right to plan the funeral and their family would have nothing to say about it,” said Goodwin. “I was having to train couples on how to find a lawyer, which many struggled to be able to afford, to fill out pieces of paper after paper to try and provide the legal protections that are now instantly available.”

But, this all changed in 2015 after a narrow 5-4 vote from the Supreme Court gave LGBTQ plus couples a sign their love would carry on.

Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines

“When I was sitting in a college classroom, I always knew I was gay… but I didn’t come out, I didn’t date a guy until I was 40 years old… but the idea of when I was in college, knowing myself as I did, that thinking there could come a time where I could be married… and have a house, and a dog and a kid and a boring life, that was unthinkable,” recounted Mike Lawlor.

The former Connecticut state representative was one of the lawmakers who helped codify same-sex marriage in Connecticut. He has been married to his husband David for 12 years.

RELATED: 'It saves lives' | CT advocates concerned as federal government vows to shut down LGBTQ+ service of national suicide hotline

Lawlor said that while there is concern the current setup of Supreme Court justices could attempt to overturn the Obergefell decision, knowing their marriage is protected federally by the Respect for Marriage Act - signed by President Joe Biden back in 2022 - gives him confidence unions like theirs will be safe for years to come.

FOX61's Pride coverage continues over on FOX61.com and FOX61+ where viewers can continue looking back at the progress of the LGBTQ plus community.

FOX61's Kaye Paddyfote is also sharing the story of West Hartford teacher Dr. Tracey Wilson , the first to get married to their partner – Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye – once same-sex marriage became legal in Connecticut in 2008.

----

Steffen Reals is a reporter and anchor at FOX61 News. He can be reached at SReals@fox61.com . Follow him on Facebook , X , and Instagram .

----

Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com .

----

HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS

Download the FOX61 News APP

iTunes: Click here to download

Google Play: Click here to download

Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.

Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.

FOLLOW US ON X , FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM