Michigan Rep. Josh Schriver Pushes to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage—Sparks Nationwide Debate
Michigan state Rep. Josh Schriver (R-Oxford) is making headlines with a bold new move—calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. His resolution, set to be unveiled on Tuesday, has already drawn significant support and fierce opposition, setting the stage for a heated political battle.
A Bold Challenge to Obergefell v. Hodges
Schriver’s proposal comes nearly a decade after the Supreme Court’s historic 5-4 ruling on June 26, 2015, which required all states to recognize and perform same-sex marriages. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Schriver confirmed his plans to introduce the resolution following the Michigan House session.
According to a press release from his office, the resolution has 12 co-sponsors and mirrors similar efforts in Idaho, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
“This resolution urges the preservation of the sanctity of marriage and constitutional protections that ensure freedom of conscience for all Michigan residents,” the statement read.
Schriver’s History of Anti-LGBTQ+ Statements
Schriver has been vocal in his opposition to same-sex marriage. In December 2024, he posted on social media, saying, “Make gay marriage illegal again.” In another post, he claimed, “America only ‘accepted’ gay marriage after it was thrusted into her by a perverted Supreme Court ruling. America 2124 doesn’t have to be as dysfunctional as America 2024.”
His remarks were met with immediate backlash from Democratic officials, including Rep. Jason Morgan and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel—both of whom are in same-sex marriages. Governor Gretchen Whitmer also condemned Schriver’s stance, stating, “Any attempt to strip away gay marriage is wrong.”
Could the Supreme Court Revisit Same-Sex Marriage?
The debate over Obergefell v. Hodges was reignited in 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that the Court should reconsider other landmark rulings based on substantive due process, including Obergefell.
“In the future, we should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell,” Thomas wrote at the time.
With former President Donald Trump now serving a second term, many LGBTQ+ advocates fear that discrimination protections could be rolled back. In interviews following the 2024 election, LGBTQ+ individuals expressed concerns that their rights could come under attack once again.
Trump’s Shifting Views on Same-Sex Marriage
Trump’s stance on same-sex marriage has fluctuated over the years. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, before he entered politics, he expressed support for domestic partnerships, a position that was unpopular among conservatives at the time.
However, by 2011, Trump stated he was “opposed to gay marriage,” and in 2015, he publicly supported “traditional marriage.” During his 2016 campaign, he suggested that he would “strongly consider” appointing justices who would overturn same-sex marriage. Yet, after winning the election, he later claimed he was “fine” with the ruling and would not seek to appoint justices with the goal of reversing it.
What’s Next?
Schriver’s resolution is expected to spark intense debate both in Michigan and across the nation. If similar resolutions gain traction in other states, the Supreme Court may once again be forced to weigh in on the issue.
With LGBTQ+ rights on the line, the coming months could mark a defining moment in the ongoing battle over marriage equality in the United States.
