When a woman from Kentucky attempts to threaten me in any way, I get more than a little defensive. When a woman from Kentucky attempts to take away my right to marry, before I even have the chance, then we definitely have a problem.
Kim Davis is a former court clerk from Kentucky who refused to issue a marriage license to a same sex-couple in 2015. Now, almost a decade later, she hoped for her appeals in the case against her to make it to the highest court in the land. On Monday, her appeal was denied, and the lower court’s decisions will stand and same-sex marriage will remain intact.
While the LGBTQ+ community across the nation is now able to take a sigh of relief, they need to recognize that there is still more to be done. Hope can inspire change, but a resolved and united community is the engine that keeps the movement going.
The LGBTQ+ community’s worries weren’t unfounded. When the Supreme Court ruled in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, they not only overturned Roe vs. Wade, but Justice Clarence Thomas also wrote that the court should “reconsider” other cases — including Obergefell.
There are currently 26 states that have existing trigger laws in place, which would immediately outlaw same sex marriage upon the reversal of the Obergefell decision that guaranteed same-sex marriage nationwide.
Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, Alabama falls into that list. Amendment 774, or the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment, was put into place in 2006 to enforce that in Alabama, “marriage is inherently a unique relationship between a man and a woman.” The amendment was enacted for nine years, and argues the state has “a special interest in encouraging, supporting, and protecting this unique relationship” under the guise of supporting “the stability and welfare of society and its children.”
Since the decision in the Obergefell case, the amendment has stayed on the books, but cannot be implemented or enforced, unless the Supreme Court reverses its decision.
While everyday since President Donald Trump’s return to office has been filled with fear, the LGBTQ+ community has now seen some light in the dark. However, the Trump administration has and will continue to work against LGBTQ+ people, which leaves us members of the community in Alabama feeling useless in the fight.
However, a small amount of hope can lead to a vast amount of change. As college students at The University of Alabama, we have the power to help push for purposeful changes in Alabama. This starts with making sure the few Democratic leaders we have in the state are fighting for our voices.
Representative Terri Sewell, who represents Tuscaloosa, has supported efforts to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which was the federal law that recognized marriage as the union between a man and a woman. The repealing also codified protections for same sex couples into federal law. With her seat up for reelection every two years though, keeping Sewell accountable for amplifying our voice in Washington D.C. will help the community thrive and grow in western Alabama. You can do this by voicing concerns to her office, attending local protests and promoting local journalism efforts.
Beyond actively fighting for change, we can also engage in community building by participating and supporting local LGBTQ+ groups. Druid City Pride not only hosts festivals and events, but also provides resources for people in the community who may need them. The University’s Counseling Center also offers “Third Space,” a group for LGBTQ+ students that meets every Monday at 3 p.m. to help anyone who “desires a space to feel heard and celebrated.”
While no woman from Kentucky has taken away my right to marry, threats to LGBTQ+ people still remain. This should prompt college students, especially in Alabama and other red states, to keep fighting, because change will come if our voices are heard.
