Analyzing the Decline in Support for Same-Sex Marriage

The U.S. Supreme Court established same-sex marriage as a national right in 2015 with the decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. Eleven years later, political and cultural divisions linger over its acceptance, particularly within the Republican Party.

In June 2026, Representative Andy Ogles from Tennessee, known for his controversial statements, posted a message on X criticizing homosexuality, labeling the occasion as ‘Happy Nuclear Family Month.’ This post was met with backlash from fellow Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, leading Ogles to delete the post and apologize by calling it ‘stupid’ and ‘hurtful.’

This incident highlighted ongoing conflicts within the party regarding same-sex marriage. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, some conservative members continue to challenge its legitimacy, particularly focusing on trans rights as a new aspect of this debate.

Support for same-sex marriage among Republicans is currently declining. A Gallup poll from early June reported that only 37 percent of Republicans back gay marriage, marking an 18-point drop since 2022. The decline also extends to independent voters.

Legislative efforts reflecting opposition to same-sex marriage have surfaced in several states. Since 2025, multiple bills and resolutions have been proposed to either urge the Supreme Court to overturn the Obergefell decision or establish marriage definitions limited to heterosexual couples. However, nearly all of these measures failed in committee.