Supreme Court Takes Up Same-Sex Marriage
WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- Massive crowds flock to the nation's capital as the Supreme Court takes up the issue of same-sex marriage. Tuesday, the high court held the first of two hearings on a pair of cases that could make history.
Kai Jackson has the latest from inside--and outside--the courtroom.
Same-sex marriage is a controversial topic that's been debated for some time. Now, this hot issue--which has people taking sides--has found its way to the United States Supreme Court.
"We think that a marriage is between two people who love each other and it doesn't matter, man or woman," said one supporter.
"Preserve our country based on a family of a man, woman and children," said one opponent.
Tuesday, justices heard arguments for and against California's Proposition 8, a voter-approved measure that bans same-sex marriage.
"Marriage is between a man and a woman. That's it," said one opponent.
Attorneys defending Proposition 8 argue California's interests are harmed if same-sex couples are allowed to marry because they can't naturally have children. Justice Elena Kagan disagreed.
"I can just assure you if both the woman and the man are over the age of 55, there are not a lot of children coming out of that marriage," she said.
"The place for the decision to be made redefining marriage is with the people, not the court," said attorney Charles Cooper.
Wednesday's case involves the federal "Defense of Marriage Act" that prohibits same-sex couples from receiving tax and other benefits given to heterosexual married couples.
