Examining the Backlash Against Same-Sex Marriage

The U.S. Supreme Court established same-sex marriage as a national right in 2015. Recently, some Republican figures have publicly opposed this decision, illustrating the divisions within the party.

In June 2026, Representative Andy Ogles from Tennessee posted a controversial message on X: “Homosexuality has no place in America. Happy Nuclear Family Month.” This post, unlike some of his other statements, sparked backlash from members of his own party, including Mike Johnson, the House speaker. Ogles later removed the post, attributing it to a staff member, and called it “stupid” and “hurtful.”

This incident highlights the ongoing debates within the Republican Party regarding same-sex marriage. While Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 Supreme Court decision, remains largely uncontested by establishment Republicans, Christian conservatives have intensified their opposition. This group, a key part of former President Donald Trump’s coalition, has focused on other LGBTQ+ issues, such as trans rights.

Ross Hemminger, president of the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay rights organization, commented on the current climate: “Ten years ago, no one would have tweeted anything like that. Now we have come full circle, having arguments about what we thought was settled.”

Public support for gay marriage, once on the rise, is now declining. A recent Gallup poll reveals a decrease in Republican support, falling to 37 percent, an 18-point drop since 2022. Support among independents has also decreased.

In addition, some Republican lawmakers are pursuing legislative measures against same-sex marriage. Since 2025, bills and resolutions have been introduced in about twelve states. These proposals, seeking to either overrule Obergefell or impose restrictions favoring heterosexual marriage, have not advanced past committee stages, according to Lambda Legal, a gay rights advocacy group.