Groundbreaking Gay marriage Trial Begins in California
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — About 100 people are protesting outside the San Francisco courthouse where a groundbreaking gay marriage trial has begun.
It's the first federal trial to determine if the Constitution bans states from outlawing same-sex marriage.
Most of the protesters are backing gay marriage, while about a dozen foes are quietly holding signs demanding that California's gay marriage ban stay in place.
The two gay couples on whose behalf the case was brought will be among the first witnesses in the trial, which is expected to last up to three weeks.
Just before the proceedings began, the Supreme Court blocked video of the trial from being posted on YouTube, saying justices need more time to review the issue. The district judge overseeing the trial had approved a plan allowing video to be posted, saying it was appropriate because the trial deals with an issue of wide interest and importance.