14th amendment Quote by Antonin Scalia
“When did it become unconstitutional to exclude homosexual couples from marriage? 1791? 1868, when the 14th Amendment was adopted?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Constitutional Interpretation, 1995
Scalia questions when it became unconstitutional to exclude same‑sex couples from marriage, implying a historical inconsistency.
In simple terms: Historical inconsistency in marriage rights.
Key Takeaway
Reexamine constitutional intent.
Themes
law
rights
history
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
legal
historical
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- legislative history
- public opinion
Key Concepts
equal protection
marriage law
judicial review
Questions to Reflect On
- How have legal definitions of marriage shifted?
- What role does originalism play here?
A Different Perspective
The quote may oversimplify complex legal evolution.
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![“Who ever thought that intimacy and spirituality [whatever that means] were freedoms? And if intimacy is, one would think Freedom of Intimacy is abridged rather than expanded by marriage. Ask the nearest hippie.” quote by Antonin Scalia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a97/antonin-scalia-2855_asks_who-ever-thought-that-intimacy-and-spiri_253148.jpg)
