Missouri House Bill HCR50

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/26

Caption

Rejects the Obergefell v. Hodges decision and calls upon the Supreme Court of the United States to reverse Obergefell v. Hodges

Impact

The passage of HCR50 could lead to significant changes in Missouri's laws regarding marriage if it gains traction. By urging the Supreme Court to reverse Obergefell, it seeks to reestablish state-level control over marriage definitions and practices, potentially affecting existing rights granted to same-sex couples under federal law. This resolution highlights a broader initiative within Missouri to push back against federal judicial decisions, thereby directly challenging the current legal framework governing marriage equality.

Summary

HCR50 is a House Concurrent Resolution presented in Missouri which rejects the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, a landmark decision that mandated the recognition of same-sex marriages nationwide. The resolution argues that the Obergefell decision is incompatible with both the U.S. Constitution and Missouri's state laws, specifically that it undermines the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Additionally, it contends that inherent rights should stem from individual dignity, not government entitlements, calling for a restoration of jurisdiction over marriage to the states.

Contention

The resolution has sparked contentious debate within Missouri's legislative circles. Proponents argue that it reinstates Missouri voters' intentions as expressed in a previous amendment defining marriage, while opponents view it as an excessive government overreach that could reverse civil rights advancements. Critics also raise concerns regarding the implications of undermining established constitutional protections, particularly in terms of religious liberties and minorities' rights. The underlying clash between state authority and federal judicial mandates remains a central theme in the ongoing discourse surrounding HCR50.