Context:

A decade after the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling legalized same-sex marriage across the United States, national support for the decision remains high, with 68% of Americans in favor according to recent Gallup polling. Despite this overall support, a significant partisan divide has emerged, with Democratic approval at a record 88% and Republican support dropping to 41%, the lowest since 2016. The moral acceptance of gay or lesbian relations also reflects this divide, with 86% of Democrats and only 38% of Republicans considering it acceptable. Some conservative groups and lawmakers are actively seeking to overturn the Supreme Court's decision, with Justice Clarence Thomas suggesting a reconsideration of the ruling. This ongoing political and social tension highlights the differing views within the American political landscape regarding same-sex marriage and related moral issues.

Dive Deeper:

• Since the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling in 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, support among Americans has increased from 60% to 68% according to Gallup polls conducted in May 2025.

• The national polling data reveals a widening partisan divide, with Democratic support reaching 88% while Republican backing has decreased to 41%, marking a significant drop from earlier in the decade.

• The moral acceptance of gay or lesbian relationships also demonstrates this partisan split, as 86% of Democrats find it acceptable compared to only 38% of Republicans, the lowest level for Republicans since 2012.

• Some conservative factions, including the Southern Baptist Convention, have called for the Supreme Court to overturn the Obergefell decision, reflecting ongoing efforts to challenge the ruling.

• Justice Clarence Thomas has suggested revisiting the 2015 ruling, and several states have introduced resolutions urging the Supreme Court to reconsider its stance on same-sex marriage.

• The political divide is further emphasized by differing attitudes towards the moral acceptability of same-sex relationships, which has seen a decline in Republican approval from previous years.

• Despite these tensions, the overall stability in public support for same-sex marriage suggests a strong foundation of acceptance that continues to prevail among the majority of Americans.