The future of President Barack Obama‘s landmark health care law and same-sex marriage hang in abeyance as the Supreme Court’s term draws rapidly to a close this month, according to USA Today.
In rulings scheduled to be released by the end of the month, the Supreme Court could overturn the centerpiece of the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, killing health insurance subsidies in 34 states that do not run their own online marketplaces, reports TIME Magazine:
The court is considering whether a section of the law was incorrectly worded, which would make those subsidies unavailable to states without their own marketplaces, unless Congress or the states find a workaround.
The Supreme Court ruling is scheduled to come as Forbes magazine reports that 86 percent of Americans receiving coverage from either government-run exchanges or the expanded Medicaid program are “very” or “somewhat” satisfied with their health insurance.
Same-sex marriage is also a major issue on the docket. From USA Today:
Same-sex marriage. In a decision likely to come on the term’s last day — possibly June 29 or 30 — the court will decide whether gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry or whether state bans against same-sex marriage can remain in place.
Six cases from Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky have been consolidated for the court’s consideration. In them, 32 total plaintiffs are asking for the right to marry or to have marriages licensed elsewhere recognized in their home states. Most legal experts predict the court, led by Justice Anthony Kennedy, will rule in favor of the gay and lesbian couples.
Other issues include free speech, fair elections, religious freedom, lethal injections and housing discrimination, USA Today writes:
Under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, minority groups have been able to win lawsuits by showing that housing practices — such as sales, rentals, zoning and lending — have a disparate impact on minorities. Housing industry opponents challenging the law say it was intended only to ban intentional discrimination.
These are all weighty issues and we hope the court does the right thing. What do you think? Discuss in the comments section below.
On The Line: Will Supreme Court Cut Obamacare, Uphold State Bans On Same-Sex Marriage? was originally published on newsone.com