Later today the US Supreme Court is expected to publish its long-anticipated ruling on same-sex marriage.
The decision is expected to be announced in Washington DC some time after 10am local time, after 3pm in the UK.
Nine judges will decide whether a marriage protection law in California, introduced by the voters, is a breach of the US constitution.
Prop 8
The Californian law – known as Proposition 8, or ‘Prop 8’ – makes clear that marriage is only between a man and a woman.
The Supreme Court judges will also decide whether the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is constitutional.
DOMA is a law passed by the US Congress which says no US state should be forced to recognise gay marriage if it does not want to.
Force
Activists for gay marriage are demanding that the Supreme Court strike down both laws and legalise gay marriage throughout the US.
But defenders of traditional marriage say judges should not redefine marriage over the heads of the American people.
The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) defends traditional marriage. Its president, Brian Brown, said: “We at NOM remain optimistic.
Preserve
“Of course, the Supreme Court should uphold both Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act.
“Of the two cases, the Prop 8 case is definitely the most important. If Prop 8 is upheld, it means the Court has found no constitutional right to same-sex marriage, and all the traditional marriage laws in America will be preserved.
“It’s the end of the claim that same-sex marriage is somehow ‘inevitable.’ Gay ‘marriage’ activists will have suffered a catastrophic loss.
“We feel good about the likelihood of prevailing on Proposition 8.”