The fascinating and very moving story of the lovers, lawyers, judges and activists behind the groundbreaking Supreme Court case that led to one of the most important, national civil rights victories in decades—the legalization of same-sex marriage. In June 2015, the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage the law in all fifty states in a decision as groundbreaking as Roe v Wade and Brown v Board of Education . Through insider accounts and access to key players, this definitive account reveals the dramatic and previously unreported events behind Obergefell v Hodges and the lives at its center. This is a story of law and love—and a promise made to a dying man who wanted to know how he would be remembered. Twenty years ago, Jim Obergefell and John Arthur fell in love in Cincinnati, Ohio, a place where gays were routinely picked up by police and fired from their jobs. In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government had to provide married gay couples all the benefits offered to straight couples. Jim and John—who was dying from ALS—flew to Maryland, where same-sex marriage was legal. But back home, Ohio refused to recognize their union, or even list Jim’s name on John’s death certificate. Then they met Al Gerhardstein, a courageous attorney who had spent nearly three decades advocating for civil rights and who now saw an opening for the cause that few others had before him. This forceful and deeply affecting narrative—Part Erin Brockovich , part Milk , part Still Alice —chronicles how this grieving man and his lawyer, against overwhelming odds, introduced the most important gay rights case in U.S. history. It is an urgent and unforgettable account that will inspire readers for many years to come. “[An] affecting, eloquent account… The authors ably create the suspense of anticipation and winnow the legal issues for lay readers. Uplifting, well-written story of personal courage and political empowerment.” - Kirkus Reviews “ Love Wins is a real winner and expertly crafted. You can tell it’s going to make a great movie.” - Bob Woodward “Love always wins. We live in a society where we forget the power and energy of love. It’s pure, it’s empowering, it’s kindness, and Love Wins reflects that. It’s a tender story, inspiring, and ultimately a huge celebration. If you’ve ever thought to yourself ‘how can I possibly win against these huge odds?’, this is a story for you. Because you will never forget Jim Obergefell and his lawyer Al Gerhardstein, two men who fought with every ounce of will they could muster. This book will become a classic.” - Erin Brockovich “A tender story, inspiring, and ultimately a huge celebration. . . . You will never forget Jim Obergefell and his lawyer Al Gerhardstein, two men who fought with every ounce of will they could muster. This book will become a classic.” - Erin Brockovich “Beautifully told and carefully researched, Love Wins is a deeply moving insider’s account of the ordinary families who took the fight for marriage equality to the Supreme Court and won. Whatever one’s personal feelings about same-sex marriage, Love Wins underscores the fundamental truth that, though love may not always win, America really does stand for liberty and justice for all.” - Kathleen Parker, Washington Post columnist “This gripping portrayal of the pivotal moment in the fight for marriage equality in Ohio includes childhood memories and romance a well as tense moments in court. . . . As Obergefell and Gerhardstein literally walk out of the courtroom into the sunlight together, readers will feel they’ve been completely guided into seeing the people behind the cases.” - Publishers Weekly “Bring the tissues for this powerful tale of the triumph of marriage equality. . . . A downright joy to read. It’s a rare and special feeling to be alive for moments of world-changing history. . . . [and] it’s even more rare to read a book about a historic Supreme Court case that makes you cry.” - Washington Post “Bring the tissues for this powerful tale of the triumph of marriage equality. . . . A downright joy to read. It’s a rare and special feeling to be alive for moments of world-changing history. ” - Washington Post “Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Debbie Cenziper knows how to tell a story, and in the legal battle over same-sex marriage, she has found an emotionally engaging subject. . . . The book’s very first lines grab the reader and never let go. . . . This book is deeply reported, vividly detailed and utterly humane. While it thoroughly reflects Obergefell’s perspective, the authors maintain a commendably respectful attitude toward same-sex marriage opponents. . . . The authors have produced something far warmer and much more interesting than an expanded legal brief. It is written with a novelist’s attention to scene description and character-revealing action. . . . Love Wins is an exemplary account that anyone, no matter his or her ideological orientation, might read with both plea