Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy warned that "many in the rest of the world look to the United States to see what democracy is" and "if they see a discourse that uses identity politics rather than to talk about issues, democracy is at risk." | Win McNamee/Getty Images

The Obergefell v. Hodges ruling held that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, legalizing it nationwide over a decade ago.

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that states are constitutionally compelled to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, legalizing gay marriage nationwide.