As the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the cases that could bring nationwide marriage equality — consolidated and known as Obergefell v. Hodges — the Justices had access to numerous friend-of-the-court briefs encouraging a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs seeking the freedom to marry and the recognition of their marriages by all states.  The Covenant Network was pleased to participate as an amicus curiae, joining a number of other faith-based groups in affirming that

…civil recognition of same-sex relationships through lawful marriage is fundamentally consistent with the religious pluralism woven into the fabric of American law, culture, and society. Reversal in these cases would not “take sides” with one religious view against another or constitute an attack on religion. Nor would it signal an impermissible judicial imprimatur on changing social mores. Rather, reversal would recognize the creative tension inherent in religions’ interface with our pluralistic, changing society while confirming that all, regardless of faith, are entitled to equal protection under the law.

The Argument

I.   A Wide Cross-Section Of American Religious Traditions Recognizes The Dignity Of Lesbian And Gay Citizens’ Relationships And Families

A.  The Inherent Dignity Of Lesbian And Gay Individuals Informs The Theology Of Numerous Religious Believers And Bodies

B.  A Vast Spectrum Of American Faith Groups And Religious Observers Affirms Same-Sex Couples’ Relationships In A Multitude Of Ways, Including By Celebrating And Solemnizing Their Marriages

II. Recognizing The Necessary Distinction Between Civil And Religious Marriage, A Growing Number Of Faiths Support Civil Marriage Equality

III. Civil Marriage Equality For Same-Sex Couples Will Not Prejudice Religious Belief Or Practice, But Rather Will Prevent One Set Of Religious Beliefs From Being Imposed Through Civil Law

A. Reversal Would Not Interfere With The Freedom To Set Parameters For Religiously Sanctioned Marriage That May Differ From Those Established Under Civil Law

B. Civil Marriage Of Same-Sex Couples Does Not Unconstitutionally Burden Religious Conscience Or Exercise In Commercial Or Other Public Settings

C. While Amici Respect All Fellow Faiths, Including Those That Embrace Different Religious Views
On Marriage, It Is Constitutionally Impermissible To Impose Religious Views Through Civil Law To Curtail Civil Marriage Rights Of Same-Sex Couples

You can read the brief here.