Supreme Court weighs state gay marriage laws

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTVQ) – Supreme Court Justices will hear arguments focused on two central questions Tuesday: can states ban same-sex marriage and do states have to recognize lawful marriages from other states?  The answers have the potential to legalize same-sex marriage across the U.S.  The high court will hear the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan defend their ban on same-sex marriage.

Those supporting the ban say it should be an issue states are allowed to decide, and not the federal government.  Currently, 37 states and Washington, D.C. allow same-sex marriage.  Those against the ban argue that state bans violate equal protection under the law.

Arguments are expected to last several hours today, however, a decision is not expected until sometime in June.