Petition to overturn same-sex marriage ruling sparks local reaction
Luis Avila
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A new push to overturn same-sex marriage is drawing strong reaction.
Kim Davis, a former Kentucky clerk, has filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its 2015 decision that made same-sex marriage legal nationwide. Davis made headlines a decade ago when she refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and was later jailed for not following the law. Now, she says her religious rights were violated — and wants the Court to hear her case.
Mitchell Battersby, Director of Volunteers for Palm Springs Pride, voiced skepticism that the Court will ultimately take up the case. However, he also warned that recent history shows how uncertain legal protections can be.
“Nobody thought Roe v. Wade would be overturned and it was.”
Mitchell Battersby, Palm Springs Pride Director of Volunteers
Battersby warns that the case is about more than just marriage.
“This affects a lot of people. It affects their federal tax returns, their state tax returns, it affects deductions, it affects adopting children, having children, it affects so many things and so it’s not just gay marriage.”
Mitchell Battersby, Palm Springs Pride Director of Volunteers
Advocates are also pointing to a larger trend of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and policy shifts, particularly from the Trump administration.
Legal experts believe the petition will likely once again be rejected — as similar challenges have been before. At least four justices would have to agree to review the case. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have expressed support.
Advocates say they are watching closely and urging the community to speak out.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.