Judge Black's logical explanation of his ruling help set a precedent that other same-sex plaintiffs would use in the coming years in their respective states.
Henry vs Wymyslo is the third lawsuit involved in Obergefell vs Hodges (Oyez). This case originated in Ohio and was also overseen by Judge Timothy Black. The plaintiffs in this case, involved four legally married same-sex couples with children who argued that both of the parents' names should be listed on the children's birth certificates. The premiere adoption agency, Adoption S.T.A.R., also sued the state of Ohio over laws requiring the adoption agency to perform inadequate services for same-sex couples (Perry). As the case progressed, Judge Black shifted the scope of the case to Ohio's recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states. Judge Black ruled in the plaintiffs favor in April 2014. The ruling stated that Ohio must recognize same-sex couples married in other state jurisdictions. .
Bourke vs Beshear is the fourth lawsuit involved in Obergefell vs Hodges. Bourke vs Beshear is strikingly similar to Henry vs Wymyslo. The plaintiffs consisted of four legally married same-sex couples and their children in Kentucky (Perry). The plaintiffs' goal was to have their marriages recognized by the state of Kentucky. Judge John G Heyburn II ruled in February 2014 that "Kentucky's denial of recognition for valid same-sex marriages violates the United States Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law, even under the most deferential standard of review. Accordingly, Kentucky's statutes and constitutional amendment that mandate this denial are unconstitutional (Oyez)." This is the first of two significant rulings passed down by Judge Heyburn in regards to same-sex marriage.
Love vs Beshear is the fifth lawsuit involved and is the second relevant lawsuit from Kentucky. The plaintiffs included two male couples and their goal was to relinquish the state's ban on same-sex marriage.