Gay marriage battle heads to U.S. court

A court case which could play a big role in determining the future of same-sex marriage in the U.S. will begin today in California. Two gay couples, both represented by lawyers that were on opposite sides of the Bush/Gore recount in 2000, initiated the case that will decide whether a California referendum banning the unions is constitutional. They argue marriage is a universal right and that unions are constitutionally protected against the power of the majority to discriminate on the grounds of tradition and morality. The case, which is the first of its kind in a federal court, will most likely be appealed to the Supreme Court regardless of its outcome. The controversy also drew the attention of the Pope, who spoke out on the issue, calling gay marriage a threat to creation.

The Guardian