The fight over gay marriage is shifting from the ballot box to the Supreme Court. The justices are meeting Friday to decide whether to hear a California lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8.
Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo joined another California couple as plaintiffs in the case against Proposition 8. Their conviction and commitment to legalizing same-sex marriages remains as strong now as it was three-and-a-half years ago.
"Were not trying to change any religious views. We're trying to say that our country allows us those freedoms but it should also allow us the same freedoms that everyone else has," said Katami.
Prop 8 banned same-sex marriages in November 2008, months after the state's highest court had legalized those unions. Then in February, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Prop 8 was unconstitutional and could not take away the rights previously given to gays and lesbians.
The Supreme Court justices are scheduled on Friday to discuss whether they will hear the case brought by Prop 8 supporters, ProtectMarriage.com.
"Our main argument is that this is something that fundamentally belongs to the people and their elected representatives to decide what marriage means," said Prop 8 attorney Andrew Pugno.
If four out of nine justices agree to hear the case, the court could decide whether to legalize or deny same-sex marriage across the nation.
"It's going to have an effect on the institution as to how it's understood and how we pass those understandings on to children," said Pugno.
Either way, cities across the state expect a strong reaction. In fact, San Francisco sent a letter to the Supreme Court asking for 24 hours notice on any decision so they can prepare for any protests or any rush for marriage licenses.
The court does not agree to hear the case, then California can once again grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
