WASHINGTON (AP) — Both inside and outside the Supreme Court today, both sides of the gay marriage debate have been heard.
As justices considered California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage, supporters of those marriages were outside the court, carrying pictures of gay weddings and families, and holding signs that read, "Marriage is a constitutional right."
Opponents marched down a roadway in front of the court, with signs reading, "Every child deserves a mom and dad" and "vote for holy matrimony."
Two women from Virginia had matching signs with their California marriage license on one side and a picture of their wedding ceremony on the other. They had married in California during the 142 days when it was legal in the state. One of the women said the court decision "can change our lives tremendously."
Among those demonstrating against gay marriage was a Pennsylvania woman who was there with her teenage children. Christine Clark says she knows and loves gay people, but does not believe in gay marriage. And a man from Rhode Island, who said foes of gay marriage are the "silent majority," said, "The whole country does not want this."
