Ep 13. The Evolving Right to Marry
- TV-PG
- January 3, 2020
- 28 min
The episode titled "The Evolving Right to Marry" is the thirteenth episode of the first season of the show Liberty on Trial in America: Cases That Defined Freedom. This episode delves into the history of marriage laws in America and how they have evolved over time to grant the right to marry to all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
The episode begins by exploring the case of Mildred and Richard Loving, an interracial couple from Virginia who were arrested in 1958 for marrying in Washington, DC, where interracial marriage was legal. Their case eventually made its way to the Supreme Court, which struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage as unconstitutional in the 1967 landmark decision Loving v. Virginia. The episode also examines the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, in which the Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that same-sex couples have the constitutional right to marry, making it legal for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states.
The episode features interviews with legal experts who discuss the impact of these landmark cases on the rights of individuals to marry in America. They discuss the legal arguments and precedents that were used to support the right to marry and the challenges that were faced by proponents of marriage equality.
Throughout the episode, the show also explores the cultural and societal shifts that have led to a greater acceptance of marriage equality in America. It examines the role of advocacy groups such as the Human Rights Campaign and the impact of media representation of LGBTQ+ people on the public perception of same-sex marriage.
Overall, "The Evolving Right to Marry" provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and social history of marriage in America and the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusivity. It highlights the importance of landmark cases such as Loving v. Virginia and Obergefell v. Hodges in protecting the rights of all individuals to marry and the continuing efforts to ensure that these rights are upheld and expanded.