U.S. Marks 10 Years of Marriage Equality

This week marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. The landmark 2015 ruling granted same-sex couples the right to marry across all 50 states. Over the past decade, the country’s views on same-sex marriage have shifted dramatically. In CNN’s presidential exit polls 21 years ago, only about a quarter of Americans supported marriage equality. At that time, more people favored civil unions rather than full marriage rights. Fast forward ten years after the Supreme Court’s decision, and some polls now show nearly 70 percent of Americans support same-sex marriage. This growing acceptance reflects broader cultural and social changes in the U.S. Despite the progress, a backlash is emerging, primarily among religious conservatives. These groups continue to oppose same-sex marriage on moral and religious grounds. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the civil rights struggle for LGBTQ+ Americans. It also highlights ongoing debates about equality, acceptance, and religious freedom. The ruling remains a significant milestone, shaping American society in profound ways. Supporters hope the next decade will bring even greater inclusion and protection.