US Supreme Court hears gay marriage cases
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This artist rendering shows Deputy Solicitor General Sri Srinivasan addressing the Supreme Court, including Justices Samuel Alito, left, and Elena Kagan, right, in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court heard arguments on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). -
This artist rendering shows Roberta Kaplan, attorney for plaintiff Edith Windsor, addressing the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court heard arguments on the Defense of Marriage Act. (DOMA). Justices, from left are, Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer, Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scalia, Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Samuel Alito and Elena Kagan. -
This artist rendering shows Paul Clement, second from left, with Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli Jr. seated, right, addresses the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court heard arguments on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) case. Justices, from left are, Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer, Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scalia, Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Samuel Alito and Elena Kagan. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
Wyatt Tan, left and Mark Nomadiou, both of New York City, kiss in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, prior to the start of a court hearing on the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In the second of back-to-back gay marriage cases, the Supreme Court is turning to a constitutional challenge to the law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples. -
A group from Alabama prays in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, before the court's hearing on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In the second of back-to-back gay marriage case, the Supreme Court is turning to a constitutional challenge to the law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, as the court hers argments on a part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that prevents legally wed same-sex couples from receiving certain benefits by defining marriage as between a man and woman. -
With the Capitol in the background, supporters of gay marriage carry signs in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, before the court heard arguments on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In the second of back-to-back gay marriage case, the Supreme Court is turning to a constitutional challenge to the law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples. -
From left, attorney David Boies, plaintiffs, Sandy Stier, with partner Kris Perry, from Berkeley, Calif., Jeff Zarrillo, with partner Paul Katami from Burbank, Calif., and their attorney Theodore Olson leave the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, after the heard arguments on California's voter approved ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8. The Supreme Court waded into the fight over same-sex marriage Tuesday, at a time when public opinion is shifting rapidly in favor of permitting gay and lesbian couples to wed, but 40 states don't allow it. -
Plaintiff Edith Windsor looks to supporters in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013. The U.S. Supreme Court, in the second day of gay marriage cases, turned Wednesday to a constitutional challenge to the federal law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples. -
Plaintiff Edith Windsor of New York waves to supporters in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, after the court heard arguments on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) case. The U.S. Supreme Court, in the second day of gay marriage cases, turned Wednesday to a constitutional challenge to the federal law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples. -
Plaintiff Edith Windsor, of New York, back to camera, is hugged and greeted by supporters in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, after the court heard arguments on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) case. The U.S. Supreme Court, in the second day of gay marriage cases, turned Wednesday to a constitutional challenge to the federal law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples. -
Kevin Coyne of Washington holds flags in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013. The U.S. Supreme Court, in the second day of gay marriage cases, turned Wednesday to a constitutional challenge to the federal law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples. -
Rebecca Winchell of Columbia, Md. sings in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013. In the second of back-to-back gay marriage case, the Supreme Court is turning to a constitutional challenge to the law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples. -
Marcos German Domingues of Massachusetts stands with his dogs Sophia, left, and Georg, right, in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013. The Supreme Court, in the second of back-to-back gay marriage cases, turns Wednesday to a constitutional challenge to the federal law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples. -
Allan Hoyle of North Carolina, with the large white sign, center, speaks out against gay marriage across from the street from the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, after the court heard arguments on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) case. The U.S. Supreme Court, in the second day of gay marriage cases, turned Wednesday to a constitutional challenge to the federal law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples. -
Plaintiff Edith Windsor of New York, speaks to reporters in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, after the Supreme Court heard arguments on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) case. The U.S. Supreme Court, in the second day of gay marriage cases, turned Wednesday to a constitutional challenge to the federal law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples. -
Demonstrators stand outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, where the court will hear arguments on CaliforniaÕs voter approved ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8. -
People make their way inside into the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, for the court's hearing on CaliforniaÕs voter approved ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8. -
Demonstrators stand outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, where the court will hear arguments on CaliforniaÕs voter approved ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8. -
People line up for entrance into the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, where the court will hear arguments on CaliforniaÕs voter approved ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8. -
Gail Schulte, of Alexandria, Virginia, gathers with other demonstrators as arguments are heard on California's Proposition 8 concerning gay marriage, outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington March 26, 2013. -
Marcus, left, and Daniel German-Dominguez stand outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, before the court's hearing on CaliforniaÕs voter approved ban on same-sex marriage. -
A demonstrator holds a bible while marching outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, as the court heard arguments on California's voter approved ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8. The Supreme Court waded into the fight over same-sex marriage Tuesday, at a time when public opinion is shifting rapidly in favor of permitting gay and lesbian couples to wed, but 40 states don't allow it. -
Demonstrators march outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, as the court heard arguments on California's voter approved ban on same-sex marriage. The Supreme Court waded into the fight over same-sex marriage Tuesday, at a time when public opinion is shifting rapidly in favor of permitting gay and lesbian couples to wed, but 40 states don't allow it. -
Demonstrators walk outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, where the court will hear arguments on California's voter approved ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8. The Supreme Court waded into the fight over same-sex marriage Tuesday, at a time when public opinion is shifting rapidly in favor of permitting gay and lesbian couples to wed, but 40 states don't allow it. -
People hold up their tickets that were issued to the general public for entrance to the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, for the court's hearing on CaliforniaÕs voter approved ban on same-sex marriage. Some people waited in line _ even through light snow _ since Thursday for the coveted seats for the argument over California's Proposition 8. -
Actor, director and producer Robert Reiner is interviewed outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, before the court will hear arguments on CaliforniaÕs voter approved ban on same-sex marriage. -
Demonstrators march outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, where the justices were hearing arguments on California's voter approved ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8. The Supreme Court waded into the fight over same-sex marriage Tuesday, at a time when public opinion is shifting rapidly in favor of permitting gay and lesbian couples to wed, but 40 states don't allow it. -
Demonstrators gather as arguments are heard on California's Proposition 8 concerning gay marriage, outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, March 26, 2013. -
Qween Amar, of Orlando, Florida dances as demonstrators gather as arguments are heard on California's Proposition 8 concerning gay marriage, outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, March 26, 2013. -
Qween Amar from Orlando, Fla., left, dances by Margie Phelps, right, a member of the Westboro Baptist Church, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, where the court will hear arguments on CaliforniaÕs voter approved ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8. -
Qween Amar, of Orlando, Florida, dances as demonstrators gather as arguments are heard on California's Proposition 8 concerning gay marriage, outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, March 26, 2013. -
Qween Amar, of Orlando, Florida, left, dances as demonstrators gather as arguments are heard on California's Proposition 8 concerning gay marriage, outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, March 26, 2013. -
Demonstrators gather as arguments are heard on California's Proposition 8 concerning gay marriage, outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, March 26, 2013. -
Protesters huddle under tarps as snow falls in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, March 25, 2013. Nearly 30 people formed a line in front of the Supreme Court over the weekend, hoping for one of the roughly 50 seats reserved for the public to witness arguments in the landmark same-sex marriage case that begins on Tuesday. -
Cassandra Dickson, left, and Megan Eigsti, right, hold signs in support of gay marriage in Washington, D.C., on Monday, March 25, 2013. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments over gay marriage on Tuesday. -
John Becker, a gay rights supporter from Vermont, camps outside the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Monday, March 25, 2013. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments over gay marriage on Tuesday. -
People camp outside the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Monday, March 25, 2013, in hope of attending Tuesday's oral arguments on gay marriage. -
People camp outside the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Monday, March 25, 2013, in hope of attending Tuesday's oral arguments on gay marriage. -
Gay rights supporters including Joey Williamson, left, and Gary Brown, from New York, camp outside the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Monday, March 25, 2013. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments over gay marriage on Tuesday. -
People camp outside the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Monday, March 25, 2013, in hope of attending Tuesday's oral arguments on gay marriage. -
People wait in line outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday March, 25, 2013, a day before the court will hear a same-sex marriage case. (AP Photo/ Jose Luis Magana) -
Sandy Stier, left, and Kris Perry of Berkeley, Calif., stand outside the National Archives in Washington, Monday, March 25, 2013, before going inside to view the U.S. Constitution, a day before their same-sex marriage case is argued before the Supreme Court. (AP Photo/ Jose Luis Magana) -
Wally Suphap from Calif., waits in line to enter Supreme Court in Washington, Monday March, 25, 2013, a day before the court will hear a same-sex marriage case. (AP Photo/ Jose Luis Magana) -
Joey Williamson, left, and Gary Brown form New York City, cover themselves from the snow as they wait in line outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday March, 25, 2013, a day before the court hearing on same-sex marriage. (AP Photo/ Jose Luis Magana) -
In this photo taken Saturday, March 23, 2013, Jessica Skrebes of Washington reads while waiting in line with others outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington in anticipation of Tuesday's Supreme Court hearing on California's Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage, and Wednesday's Supreme Court hearing on the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman. (AP Photo/ Jacquelyn Martin) -
People bundled against the cold, wait in the line to enter the Supreme Court in Washington, Friday, March 22, 2013, to listen to oral arguments in next weeks Defense of Marriage Act and California's Proposition 8 cases. (AP Photo/ J. David Ake) -
This photo taken Feb. 8, 2013, shows Sandy Stier, left, and Kris Perry, the couple at the center of the Supreme Court's consideration of gay marriage, at their home in Berkeley, Calif. Whatever the outcome of their momentous case, Perry and Stier, who have been together 13 years, will be empty-nesters as the last of their children will heads off to college. (AP Photo/ Jeff Chiu) -
CORRECTS IDS - This photo taken Feb. 8, 2013, shows Kris Perry, left, and Sandy Stier, the couple at the center of the Supreme Court's consideration of gay marriage, at their home in Berkeley, Calif. Whatever the outcome of their momentous case, Perry and Stier, who have been together 13 years, will be empty-nesters as the last of their children will head off to college. (AP Photo/ Jeff Chiu)
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