WATCH: Rachel Maddow Smacks Down States Resisting Marriage Equality

While same-sex couples across the South are finally able to legally wed, certain state and county officials continue to dig in their heels to try and resist the Supreme Court's Friday ruling that brought marriage equality to all 50 states.

But on Wednesday, the appellate court that presides over those states most fiercely trying to hold back the tide of marriage equality -- namely Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas -- laid down the law. And for the record, the law now declares that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry.

In a series of orders, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals directed officials in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to abide by the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, and issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples statewide, reportsBuzzFeed News legal editor Chris Geidner.

But that doesn't mean antigay officials are willing to go quietly into that good night.

(RELATED: Bobby Jindal Has a New Way of Delaying Marriage in Louisiana)

On last night's episode of her eponymous MSNBC show, out anchor Rachel Maddow took a look at those county clerks, state judges, and governors still fighting marriage equality. Describing their response, she accurately labeled the segment "Kicking and Screaming."

Trending stories

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Watch gay period romance ‘Lilies Not For Me’s steamy & haunting trailer now (exclusive)

Exclusive: Mike Maimone honors late husband Howard Bragman in new single “On My Way”

Benson Boone talks celeb comparisons, being a sex icon, and politics

Pride journey Walla Walla: An LGBTQ+ wine, food, and adventure getaway

LGBTQ+ folks are drowning in credit card debt — here's how to escape

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

Luxury and community in South of France at Cinq & Sept

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

Here's why this Mediterranean Virgin Voyages cruise belongs on your bucket list

Gerald Garth is determined to keep people of color happy and healthy through trying times

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

Plus nominated for 2025 GLAAD Media Award alongside industry giants like Vogue, People, and Variety

Wisconsin's oldest gay bar, co-owned by Trixie Mattel, has now closed

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Arrietty dishes on that roast sabotage shocker: 'Oh, it felt great'

Lexi Love goes public with HIV status after Trump wipes resources from federal website

Jennifer Tilly says there's 'fireworks' at the 'RHOBH' season 14 reunion

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

Ian McKellen feels 'sorry' for LGBTQ+ celebs in 'silly' closet

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Adult film star Roman Mercury's death confirmed by close friend

MAGA Elon Musk's bizarre 'Hitler' haircut is so bad the internet can't stop roasting him

Kori King is exactly that girl you thought she was

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

"For all the kicking and screaming and heel dragging by conservative leaders in these states, this thing really is over," explained Maddow. "I mean, the orders have come down. Marriage equality really is legal in Mississippi, and in Texas and in Louisiana and in Alabama. But we are still seeing pockets of kicking and screaming."

Let Maddow break it down for you below, along with one of the attorneys who argued the landmark marriage equality cases before the Supreme Court: