Premium Content:

Watershed marriage plaintiff invited to Obama's State of the Union

obergefell

Jim Obergefell, the man who lodged the case that took marriage equality to the US Supreme Court, has been invited to attend President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address as a special guest.

- Advertisement -

Obergefell will join First Lady Michelle Obama along with 22 other Americans who made great achievements during the President’s terms.

“The guests personify President Obama’s time in office and most importantly, they represent who we are as Americans: inclusive and compassionate, innovative and courageous,” The White House released in a statement.

Mr Obergefell took his case to court in 2013, when Buckeye State would not recognise his marriage to his dying 20-year-long partner. Obergefell wanted legal recognition of their marriage and to be listed on his husband’s death certificate.

The case made it to the Supreme Court after Ohio state successfully appealed Obergefell’s win in the district courts – triggering the debate and ruling which led to marriage equality across the United States.

“Jim considers himself an accidental activist,” The White House wrote, “One who became entwined in a political statement larger than himself – a statement of equality and dignity that Americans have been fighting for since this nation’s founding – and he now remains committed to ensuring the civil rights for all Americans.”

OIP Staff

Latest

Actor Chloë Grace Moretz shares she’s gay in US election post

Actor Chloe Grace Moretz has shared she is a lesbian, while encouraging Americans to get out and vote this week.

Lawyer for Beau Lamarre-Condon withdraws from the case

The former police officer will now be represented by NSW Legal Aid.

Narelda Jacobs takes on new role as patron of Rainbow Futures WA

The Channel 10 newsreader has shared her excitement about her new role.

Cast announced for new Gregg Araki film ‘I Want Your Sex’ 

Araki was behind the cult classics 'The Doom Generation', 'Totally Fucked Up' and 'Nowhere'.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Actor Chloë Grace Moretz shares she’s gay in US election post

Actor Chloe Grace Moretz has shared she is a lesbian, while encouraging Americans to get out and vote this week.

Lawyer for Beau Lamarre-Condon withdraws from the case

The former police officer will now be represented by NSW Legal Aid.

Narelda Jacobs takes on new role as patron of Rainbow Futures WA

The Channel 10 newsreader has shared her excitement about her new role.

Cast announced for new Gregg Araki film ‘I Want Your Sex’ 

Araki was behind the cult classics 'The Doom Generation', 'Totally Fucked Up' and 'Nowhere'.

Vengaboys are back in town 

The Vengabus will be back in town.

Actor Chloë Grace Moretz shares she’s gay in US election post

Actor Chloe Grace Moretz has shared she is a lesbian, while encouraging Americans to get out and vote this week.

Lawyer for Beau Lamarre-Condon withdraws from the case

The former police officer will now be represented by NSW Legal Aid.

Narelda Jacobs takes on new role as patron of Rainbow Futures WA

The Channel 10 newsreader has shared her excitement about her new role.