Ten years after the legalization of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples, former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis has petitioned to overturn the decision.
Central Arkansas organizations speak of their reactions and course of action if Obergefell v. Hodges is appealed.
As people around America wait for Congress to make its decision, the people of Central Arkansas are coming together.
UCA’s gender studies director, Taine Duncan, and Central Arkansas Pride chime in.
CAP said they will encourage LGBTQ+ members to stand up and partner with allies along with law enforcement in order to combat the possible rise in discrimination and hate crimes.
Taine Duncan said that while this won’t outright change the courses she teaches much,“there are other laws that may be proposed or passed reflecting broader fears of and disdain for LGBTQ experience, history and scholarship that could absolutely impact future curricula.”
Those in the LGBT community said they are frightened for their rights and feel silenced.
When CAP was asked how it would help those fearing for their marriage rights, CAP said, “We all must share this responsibility, contacting our representatives and collaborating with the media on educating why this [standing up for LGBTQ+ rights] is important.”
Duncan says that if an overturn is to happen that it will mostly affect those in lower-income homes, “poor couples in rural and underserved communities, stripping marital rights will have profound impact on things like healthcare, property rights, childcare, family rights and access to private services where discrimination may feel protected by the law.”
“Equal rights are for all, not a select few. From marriage equality to trans rights. We all must speak to educate allies to make this a non-issue,” Duncan said.
Central Arkansas Pride wants to promote this message to all and further push for all to educate themself during this uncertain time.
Both CAP and Duncan said that LGBT voices and allies are more important now than ever, creating traction and awareness for the possible overturning is important to all being educated during this time.
The Supreme Court started its deliberation of the possible turning on Nov. 7.
On Nov. 10, the Supreme Court declined going forward with revisiting gay marriage.