WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court's first major examination of gay rights in 10 years is under way, with a hearing on California's ban on same-sex marriage.
Some people were waiting in line outside the court since Thursday to get a seat at today's arguments -- including some who'd been paid to hold spots for others. Actor and director Rob Reiner was at the head of the line this morning. He helped lead the fight against the voter-approved ban in California that is the subject of the case being heard today.
Tomorrow, the court considers the federal law that prevents legally-married gay couples from receiving a range of benefits that are given to straight married Americans.
Both sides of the debate are represented among demonstrators outside the court today. Supporters of gay marriage came with homemade signs including ones that read "a more perfect union" and "love is love."
Among the opponents was a Rhode Island man who wore a button that read "marriage 1 man plus 1 woman." He said his group represents the "silent majority."
To watch the hearings live, courtesy of ABC News Digital, view it in the following player:
