Buttigieg Says Amy Coney Barrett’s Confirmation Could Threaten His Marriage

Topline

Former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg raised concerns Sunday about the Senate confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett, arguing adding her to the Supreme Court could lead the conservative majority to dismantle rights to same-sex marriage.

Key Facts

Key Background

The Supreme Court extended rights to same sex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodges, a landmark case that was decided in 2015. As the court has moved to the right since then, some Democrats have raised concerns about whether the decision could be overturned. Those worries intensified when two conservative justices, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, slammed Obergefell in a decision earlier this month, calling for the court to “fix” the decision. 

What To Watch For 

Barrett brushed aside concerns Obergefell would be overturned during Senate confirmation hearings this past week, arguing it was unlikely a case involving gay marriage would reach the nation’s highest court because it would be struck down in a lower district court decision.  

Big Number

6. That’s how many conservative justices would sit on the court if Barrett is confirmed (there are currently 3 liberal justices on the court.)

Tangent

During the interview, Buttigieg also stressed the unity of Joe Biden’s coalition ahead of Election Day, saying there’s “Democrats from across the spectrum…joining with independents and Republicans” to back the Democratic nominee.

Further Reading

Amy Coney Barrett Suggests Marriage Equality Won’t Be Successfully Challenged (Forbes)

“Thomas, Alito Urge Supreme Court To ‘Fix’ Decision Legalizing Marriage Equality” (Forbes)