Gay Marriage Defines Court’s Week

“Less than four years ago, some gay-rights activists thought it would be a mistake to wage a Supreme Court battle over gay marriage. This week, the issue comes to the nine justices for nearly three hours of argument, and gay-marriage proponents are confident of at least a partial victory,” the Wall Street Journal reports.

“In a twist, the same fast-changing public opinion cited by activists has turned into the basis for one of the principal arguments at the Supreme Court by gay-marriage opponents. They say voters in some states have shown willingness to approve gay marriage, meaning there is no need for the justices to wade into the socially divisive issue. Nine states plus the District of Columbia have approved gay marriage–including three states in November 2012 votes.”

Ryan Teague Beckwith: A look at six Supreme Court precedents on marriage and gay rights.