Same-sex couples in Colorado might have dodged a proverbial bullet if the Supreme Court opts to rule against same-sex marriage. In Colorado, state officials didn’t contest the rulings of lower courts that were for same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples in other states might not be so lucky if the Supreme Court rules against same-sex marriage.
There are 14 states that prohibit same-sex marriages. Four of those states are involved in cases that are before the Supreme Court. It is expected that the ruling from the highest court in the land will come in the next few weeks. If the justices find in favor of Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky, chaotic legal scenes could ensue.
The problem, as it stands now, is that federal judges in 20 states struck down marriage bans by citing the Constitution. If the Supreme Court doesn’t rule in favor of same-sex marriage, the ruling from the Supreme Court would mean that the rulings from those judges are contradictory to the high court’s ruling.
Another issue that will come up is how same-sex couples who were already married in a state that will ultimately forbid same-sex marriage will be handled if the Supreme Court rules against same-sex marriages. While some states might still honor those unions, nothing is set in stone.
Same-sex couples face some unique challenges. When it comes to legal matters, there are a lot of variables to think about. Seeking out answers to legal questions, such as aspects of child custody or divorce, can help same-sex couples decide how to handle certain situations that might come up.
Source: CBS News, “Supreme Court ruling against same-sex marriage could create legal chaos,” June 09, 2015
