Burbank Couple Prepares For Supreme Court's Landmark Ruling On Same-Sex Marriage
HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — The Burbank same-sex couple who started the legal fight for marriage equality is preparing for the U.S. Supreme Court to announce its ruling on the constitutionality of Proposition 8, California's gay marriage ban.
Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, along with a lesbian couple, sued to challenge the voter-approved ban in 2009.
On Tuesday, the nation's highest court will hear arguments from both sides of the landmark case about whether Prop 8 should remain the law of the state or be overturned.
Katami and Zarrillo said the justices' ultimate decision—whatever it may be—will affect the lives of thousands of gay and lesbian couples across America.
"We've seen amazing cases over the years...Roe v. Wade…to know that Hollingsworth v. Perry will be one of those landmark civil rights cases. It's really exciting for us," said Zarrillo.
The couple said they're just regular guys, not revolutionaries with a radical social agenda.
"We're not trying to topple the institution or damage the institution, we're not trying to change any language or redefine anything. We're certainly not trying to find a special right some place to make a statement. Our marriage will harm no one else's life. It only benefits ours and the people around us," said Katami.
Prop 8 proponents argue that states should decide what constitutes as marriage, not the federal government.
A ruling on the case is expected by the end of June.
