Introduction: A Renewed Push Against LGBTQ+ Rights
In a bold move that has reignited national debate, the Southern Baptist Convention has officially endorsed a resolution aiming to overturn the landmark 2015 Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage across the United States. This marks the first formal call from the group to reject the constitutional protection of LGBTQ+ marriages.
With over 12 million members, the Southern Baptists represent one of the largest evangelical communities in America. Their latest declaration came during their annual convention in Dallas, Texas, attended by more than 10,000 church representatives.
The Resolution: Subtle Wording, Strong Implications
The resolution doesn’t explicitly use the word “ban” but calls for the overturning of “laws and court rulings… that defy God’s design for marriage.” It also supports legal measures that define marriage as strictly between one man and one woman. Written by ethicist Andrew Walker, it symbolizes a significant political and cultural stance aligned with America’s Christian right.
Trump’s Evangelical Base and a Strategic Moment
This move comes at a time when conservative evangelicals see an opportunity. Under President Donald Trump, the evangelical agenda has made significant legal headway—most notably the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Many evangelical leaders now believe the same playbook could apply to ending marriage equality.
Kristin Du Mez, a historian from Calvin University, described the evangelical-Trump relationship as “transactional,” noting that Trump has delivered key conservative wins despite inconsistent personal stances on LGBTQ+ rights. His second term has included anti-DEI executive orders and the military ban on transgender individuals.
Public Opinion and Legal Realities
Polls show that nearly 70% of Americans support same-sex marriage, and 36 states had already legalized it before the 2015 Supreme Court ruling. Therefore, even if Obergefell is overturned, same-sex marriage wouldn’t be automatically banned nationwide. However, legal protections would become more vulnerable to state-by-state rollbacks.
LGBTQ+ Communities React with Concern
LGBTQ+ organizations have sounded the alarm. Laurel Powell from the Human Rights Campaign condemned the Southern Baptist resolution, stating, “This is a very visible example of how attacks on the LGBTQ+ community have intensified.”
With World Pride boycotted by some groups this year and fear growing over targeted policies, the resolution adds fuel to a fire already burning in American LGBTQ+ circles.
Is Roe v Wade the Blueprint for Obergefell?
Many conservative activists cite the decades-long effort to overturn Roe v Wade as proof that patience and persistence pay off. Evangelicals appear ready to replicate that strategy with same-sex marriage laws. Some believe this moment—amid a conservative-leaning Supreme Court and a Republican-controlled government—may be their best chance.
Conclusion: The Culture War Deepens
While this Southern Baptist resolution is non-binding, its political and cultural implications are enormous. It represents a confident push by conservative Christians to reshape America’s moral and legal landscape. As the country barrels toward the 2026 midterm elections, LGBTQ+ rights may once again become a central battleground.
Whether the courts, lawmakers, or public sentiment will side with equality or tradition remains to be seen. For now, the message from Dallas is clear: the fight over marriage is far from over.
