Same-sex marriage remains constitutionally protected — for now — after the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined hearing a case that might have undermined it. At stake: the court’s finding in Obergefell v. Hodges that citizens who wish to marry are due equal protection and equal due process, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

With no comments, justices declined to consider an appeal of damages assessed on a Kentucky county clerk who notoriously refused to issue same-sex marriage licenses in 2015, the year Obergefell was decided, arguing her religious beliefs also have constitutional protection. A previous appeal based on claimed public immunity was also declined. Observers, however, expect more legal battles.

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