Gay Marriage Plaintiff Shames Senate Republicans on SCOTUS Stance

The lead plaintiff in the Supreme Court case to legalize marriage equality nationwide is calling on Senate Republicans to “do their job” and hold a confirmation hearing for Judge Merrick Garland, NBC News reported. 

Jim Obergefell said the 4-4 split to keep frozen President Barack Obama’s executive actions on immigration underscores the importance of having a full panel of justices to decide the most pressing legal issues. 

"If that had happened a year ago, and if it were a different justice who passed away, a 4-4 split could have meant we would have been denied the right to marry and have our lawful marriages recognized," Obergefell said. "It is unconscionable that these Republicans continue to obstruct." 

Obergefell won the right to have his marriage to his late partner, John Arthur, recognized by their home state of Ohio in last year’s Supreme Court case. The 5-4 decision, handed down on June 26, 2015, led the way for thousands of other same-sex couples to marry in any state.

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