Gay marriage: Landmark same-sex marriage case begins in US Supreme Court

High court will impact thousands of gay couples regardless of its decision

(Getty Images)

After years of pushing for equality in marriage by same-sex couples – and after numerous states have allowed them to marry – the US Supreme Court finally is taking up the issue of gay marriage in what is sure to be a landmark case.

Arguments start on Tuesday and regardless of what the justices decide, their ruling will have massive ramifications throughout the country.

A ruling in favour of gay marriage would further legitimise the unions between thousands of same-sex couples that have married since numerous US states threw out bans of such marriages in the last year, while a ruling against gay marriage would deal a major blow to the gay-rights movement that has picked up major momentum in recent years.

Polls show that public opinion in support of gay marriage has never been higher. The most recent Gallup poll, from last May, shows that 55 per cent of people think gay marriages should be recognised by the law, while 42 per cent said it should not be recognised. In 1996, just 27 per cent of people said gay marriage should be recognised.

A decision is not expected to be handed down by the Supreme Court until June and despite the momentum behind gay marriage in the country, it is far from clear how the court will rule.

The ruling likely will come down to more than just if the justices think gays should be allowed to marry. A decision from the court could be based around whether the court should decide the issue or whether it should be left to the individual states.

The Independent will be following this case closely. Check back for updates as the case progresses.

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