California's Supreme Court will issue a ruling Tuesday that will either uphold Proposition 8, the gay marriage ban, or overturn it as illegal and unconstitutional.
The much anticipated 10 a.m. announcement will open a new chapter in the struggle over gay marriage.
Several states have legalized gay marriage since last November, when 52 percent of California voters approved amending the state constitution to define marriage as between only a man and woman.
Gay activists plan to gather outside the court in San Francisco. Gay marriage opponents may also gather, as they did March 5 when justices heard arguments for and against Proposition 8.
Proposition 8 architects and attorneys plan to hold a news conference at Sacramento's Sheraton Hotel.
"We're confident that the right of the people to protect traditional marriage in the state constitution will ultimately prevail," Andrew Pugno, attorney for Proposition 8 backers, said in a statement Friday.
Kate Kendell, director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said in a statement that the court's decision is significant for "all those who care about equality."
Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, said Friday he is aware many legal analysts suspect that the court's majority will uphold Proposition 8.
But the gay rights leader said he is hopeful the argument that gays have a constitutional right to wed will prevail.
Proposition 8 supporters argue that voters have the power to define marriage with a constitutional amendment. Opponents argue that the measure violates the rights of a particular group and is a sweeping, illegal revision of the constitution.
Last May the high court overturned a previous ballot measure that banned gay marriage. More than 18,000 couples wed between June and November.
Call Susan Ferriss, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 321-1267.
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