Consider this statement by Chief Justice Roberts in hisObergefelldissent:

When decisions are reached through democratic means, some people will inevitably be disappointed with the results. But those whose views do not prevail at least know that they have had their say, and accordingly arein the tradition of our political culturereconciled to the result of a fair and honest debate. In addition, they can gear up to raise the issue later, hoping to persuade enough on the winning side to think again. "That[***90] is exactly [**654] how our system of government is supposed to work."

But today the Court puts a stop to all that. By deciding this question under the Constitution, the Court removes it from the realm of democratic decision. There will be consequences to shutting down the political process on an issue of such profound public significance. Closing debate tends to close minds. People denied a voice are less likely to accept the ruling of a court on an issue that does not seem to be the sort of thing courts usually decide. As a thoughtful commentator observed about another issue, "The political process was moving . . ., not swiftly enough for advocates of quick, complete change, but majoritarian institutions were listening and acting. Heavy-handed judicial intervention was difficult to justify and appears to have provoked, not resolved, conflict."Ginsburg, Some Thoughts on Autonomy and Equality in Relation toRoe v. Wade,63 N. C. L. Rev. 375, 385-386 (1985)Links to an external site.(footnote omitted). Indeed, however heartened the proponents of same-sex marriage might be on this day, it is worth acknowledging what they have lost, and lost forever: the opportunity to win the true acceptance that comes from persuading their fellow[***91]citizens of the justice of their cause. And they lose this just when the winds of change were freshening at their backs.

1. Doyouagree with these statements? Why or why not? In answering this question, make reference to at least three supreme court cases.