In Columbus, Ohio, a significant Supreme Court ruling a decade prior, known as Obergefell v. Hodges, legalized same-sex marriage throughout the United States. Despite what the case’s title suggests, Jim Obergefell and Rick Hodges, the key figures in the lawsuit, were not adversaries. In fact, they have since become friends.
A year after the landmark decision on June 26, 2015, Obergefell, the lead plaintiff, attended an event hosted by an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, where he was offered an opportunity to meet Hodges. As Ohio’s state health director, Hodges was the title defendant in Obergefell’s lawsuit, which challenged states including Ohio for their refusal to recognize same-sex marriages.
Initially hesitant, Obergefell jokingly questioned if he truly wanted to meet Hodges. Nevertheless, they soon met over coffee at a hotel, where they found a mutual understanding. Hodges expressed admiration for Obergefell, acknowledging his role as an “icon” and conveying a poignant sentiment: “I don’t know if congratulations are in order because this began with you losing your husband, but I’m glad you won and I’ve never been so happy to lose in my life.”
Jim Obergefell and his late partner, John Arthur, lived together in Cincinnati until Arthur was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Obergefell devotedly cared for Arthur until his passing in 2013, after they had traveled to Maryland to legally marry. The case emerged when Ohio refused to recognize their marriage on Arthur’s death certificate.
Despite being tasked with defending Ohio’s legal stance, Hodges’ personal sympathies lay with Obergefell’s cause. He stated, “Personally, I was supportive of their efforts, as were some of the people who worked on the case for the state. Professionally, I had a job to do and I did it to the best of my ability.”
In anticipation of the Supreme Court’s decision, Hodges had proactively organized a team of Ohioan lawyers to prepare the necessary documentation for issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples should the ruling favor Obergefell. This was attested to by Obergefell’s lead attorney, Al Gerhardstein, who described Obergefell and Hodges’ friendship as an extraordinary example: “We need more models like that as we struggle with difficult social issues.”
Obergefell and Hodges have developed a friendship, seeing each other two to three times a year and frequently co-speaking at various conferences and panels. Hodges humorously noted how, upon arrival at events, onlookers initially view him with skepticism until the duo has shared their story.
In light of the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision, their encounters have become more frequent. They recently attended a symposium at Northern Kentucky University and another gathering facilitated by Equality Ohio, the very organization responsible for their initial meeting.
Reflecting on their relationship, Obergefell expressed contentment with their unique connection, saying, “I can’t think of other cases where the plaintiff and the defendant are friends. They might exist, I don’t know about them. But I’m really glad that Rick and I are friends.”