Weatherby has published several analysis pieces on the issue and monitored two Arkansas cases challenging the state’s ban.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas law professor Danielle Weatherby is available to comment on the U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on the legality of same-sex marriage.
Weatherby’s research focuses on the First Amendment and emerging legal protections for transgender individuals.
She has monitored the Court’s handling of Obergefell v. Hodges, the case challenging the federal ban on same-sex marriage. Weatherby has also published analysis pieces on the topic in Fortune, Seattle Times, Detroit News and The Conversation.
The Supreme Court is considering two questions: Does the U.S. Constitution require states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and must states recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states where they are legal?
In addition to the cases currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, there are seven same-sex marriage cases pending in the various levels of state and federal courts. Two of these cases originated in Arkansas, one of which has reached the Arkansas Supreme Court and the other the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in St. Louis.
Weatherby has followed these cases throughout their trial and appellate phases. She said the Supreme Court’s decision will affect the two Arkansas same-sex marriage cases. If the Supreme Court decides yes on the first question and determines that states must recognize same-sex marriage, both the state case currently pending in the Arkansas Supreme Court and the federal case before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals will become moot, she said.
About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.
CONTACTS: Danielle Weatherby, assistant professorSchool of Law518-320-2558 (mobile), [email protected]
Matt McGowan, science and research communications officerUniversity Relations479-575-4246 (office) or 479-856-2177 (mobile), [email protected]
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