Which case legalized same-sex marriage nationwide?

• A. Obergefell v. Hodges
• B. United States v. Windsor
• C. Lawrence v. Texas
• D. Hollingsworth v. Perry

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how the Constitution protects the right to marry for same-sex couples across the states. In Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court held that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right under the Fourteenth Amendment, and that states must both issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and recognize marriages performed elsewhere. This decision ties national recognition to the due process and equal protection guarantees, ensuring nationwide, uniform legality for same-sex marriage.

To see the distinction, note that United States v. Windsor struck down part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, ruling that the federal government could not treat same-sex marriages differently for federal benefits, but it did not by itself require states to recognize such marriages. Lawrence v. Texas protected the right to private, consensual sexual conduct, laying groundwork for liberty arguments but not addressing marriage rights nationwide. Hollingsworth v. Perry addressed standing in a Prop 8 challenge in California and did not establish a nationwide rule on marriage. Obergefell is the case that finally established nationwide legality of same-sex marriage.