House Joint Memorial No. 17 expresses the Idaho Legislature's formal rejection of the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The memorial argues that the ruling contradicts the U.S. Constitution and the foundational principles of individual liberty, asserting that the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman has been upheld for over 2,000 years. It emphasizes that the decision undermines the rights of states to regulate marriage and disregards the will of Idaho voters, who previously defined marriage in their state constitution through a referendum.

The memorial calls on the Supreme Court to reverse the Obergefell decision and restore the traditional definition of marriage, insisting that the authority to legislate on marriage should reside with the states and their citizens. It also highlights concerns regarding the impartiality of justices involved in the ruling and the persecution faced by individuals in Idaho who uphold traditional marriage beliefs. The memorial concludes with a directive to forward a copy to the Supreme Court, reinforcing Idaho's stance on the matter.