Philadelphia Lawyer Encourages Same-Sex Couples to Marry Amid Supreme Court Review
Marriage equality is once again a pivotal topic in the United States. The Supreme Court has announced it will consider revisiting the issue of same-sex marriage. This decision has reignited concern for many couples across the nation.
Supreme Court’s Consideration of Same-Sex Marriage
The Supreme Court is evaluating a case brought by Kim Davis, a former clerk from Kentucky. In 2015, Davis gained notoriety for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. She is now asking the Court to overturn the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. This landmark decision legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, and Davis claims that her objection is rooted in her religious beliefs.
Couples Respond to Uncertainty
Among those affected are Anthony Lewis and Daniel Simpson, who have been married for ten years. They first shared their story during CBS News Philadelphia’s Heart of Pride special. “It feels like we’re in a world where there’s one step forward with progress and then two steps back,” said Lewis, expressing his fears about the potential impact of this Supreme Court review.
Legal Advice for Same-Sex Couples
To navigate this uncertain landscape, Philadelphia attorney Angela Giampolo offers crucial advice. “I always tell people don’t be scared. Just be prepared,” she emphasized. Giampolo encourages same-sex couples to take proactive measures, such as estate planning and legal documentation, to secure their rights beyond what a marriage certificate provides.
- Consider getting married sooner rather than later, especially in light of potential changes.
- Protect yourself legally with pre-nuptial agreements if you choose to marry.
Statistics Highlight Growth of Same-Sex Marriages
Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015, the number of married same-sex couples has significantly increased. Currently, there are over 820,000 married same-sex couples in the U.S., more than double the amount prior to 2015. Furthermore, nearly 300,000 children are being raised in these families, including about 24,000 couples in Pennsylvania alone.
Personal Reflections on Marriage
For Lewis and Simpson, the focus remains on their family instead of the legal debates surrounding their relationship. “Our marriage is no different than anyone else’s,” Lewis stated. “It’s just two people who happen to meet and fall madly in love and want to spend the rest of our lives together.”
As the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate, many same-sex couples are encouraged to act decisively and protect their relationships through legal means.
