Groundbreaking gay marriage trial starts in Calif

Jan 11, 2010
By LISA LEFF
Associated Press Writer

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The first federal trial to determine if the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from outlawing same-sex marriage gets under way Monday, and the two gay couples on whose behalf the case was brought will be among the first witnesses.

The proceedings, which are expected to last two to three weeks, involve a challenge to Proposition 8, the gay marriage ban approved by California voters in November 2008.

Regardless of the outcome, the case is likely to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where it ultimately could become a landmark that determines if gay Americans have the right to marry. the rest

Stacking the Deck Against Proposition 8