US Supreme Court Hears Arguments On Marriage Equality

The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday morning on the marriage rights of same-sex couples. The origin of Tuesday's arguments comes from four different cases challenging the states' constitutional bans on same-sex marriage.

Dueling rallies outside the US Supreme Court clashed over their views on same sex marriage. While inside the courtroom justices heard arguments in the historic same-sex marriage cases.

Four cases from Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee challenged those states' constitutional bans on same-sex marriage.

“It's a question of if their relationship is valid. If their love is valid,” said executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, Troy Stevenson.

The debate centered over two questions: Whether there is a constitutional right to gay marriage and whether states that have bans on gay marriage have to recognize gay marriages performed in other states where it's legal.

“A couple that's married today in Oklahoma City. If they drive to Dallas, as soon as they cross the Red River their marriage is no longer recognized by the state of Texas,” said Stevenson.

However, it's not just Texas. Twelve other states in country currently do not recognize lawful out-of-state same sex marriages.

The Supreme Court remains deeply divided, predicted to vote 5-4 on the issue.

“The court, absolutely their job to make sure that every individual's liberty and equality is protected regardless of state laws,” said Mary Bonauto, lawyer representing same-sex couples.

Despite the division, Stevenson remains optimistic the court will rule in favor of marriage equality.

“I absolutely think that the American public is ready for the freedom to marry. They have been for a while. This is a done deal in the minds of most Americans,” Stevenson said.

Both of the couples who were in the Oklahoma lawsuit were at the Capitol today, rallying outside the Supreme Court.