Same-Sex Marriage Issues on Yahoo! News Photos

Mexico City's Mayor Marcelo Ebrard listens to journalists during ...

(AP) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:29:32 GMT

(AP) - Mexico City's Mayor Marcelo Ebrard listens to journalists during a news conference in Mexico City, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010. Ebrard declared that he will fight against Mexican federal prosecutors who announced a day earlier that they will try to overturn Mexico City's gay marriage law, which allows same-sex couples to adopt children, on the grounds it violates the constitution.(AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

Mexico City's Mayor Marcelo Ebrard leaves the news room at City ...

(AP) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:28:17 GMT

(AP) - Mexico City's Mayor Marcelo Ebrard leaves the news room at City Hall after a news conference in Mexico City, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010. Ebrard declared that he will fight against Mexican federal prosecutors who announced a day earlier that they will try to overturn Mexico City's gay marriage law, which allows same-sex couples to adopt children, on the grounds it violates the constitution.(AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

Mexico City's Mayor Marcelo Ebrard, right, speaks during a news ...

(AP) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:19:44 GMT

(AP) - Mexico City's Mayor Marcelo Ebrard, right, speaks during a news conference in Mexico City, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010. Ebrard declared that he will fight against Mexican federal prosecutors who announced a day earlier that they will try to overturn Mexico City's gay marriage law, which allows same-sex couples to adopt children, on the grounds it violates the constitution.(AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

File photo shows supporters of same-sex marriage marching in ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:21:03 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - File photo shows supporters of same-sex marriage marching in Hollywood, California. The influence of homosexuals in US politics is significant and growing, an expert testified, as opponents of same-sex marriage opened their case in a federal trial challenging California's gay marriage ban.(AFP/Getty Images/File/David Mcnew)

Spencer Jones and Tyler Barrick of San Francisco join hands ...

(AP) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:09:20 GMT

(AP) - Spencer Jones and Tyler Barrick of San Francisco join hands as they join supporters of the documentary film '8: The Mormon Proposition,' at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010. The film explores the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' involvement in the passage of California's Proposition 8, which ruled against same-sex couples' right to marry. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Marc Huggins, left, 14, of Salt Lake City, holds a sign in support ...

(AP) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:07:29 GMT

(AP) - Marc Huggins, left, 14, of Salt Lake City, holds a sign in support of the documentary film '8: The Mormon Proposition,' at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010. The film explores the involvement of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' involvement in the passage of California's Proposition 8, which ruled against same-sex couples' right to marry. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Brian Artman of Bountiful, Utah, holds a sign in support of ...

(AP) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:06:53 GMT

(AP) - Brian Artman of Bountiful, Utah, holds a sign in support of the documentary film '8: The Mormon Proposition,' at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010. The film explores the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' involvement in the passage of California's Proposition 8, which ruled against same-sex couples' right to marry. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Eric Ethington, left, and Marc Huggins, 14, hold signs in support ...

(AP) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:06:46 GMT

(AP) - Eric Ethington, left, and Marc Huggins, 14, hold signs in support of the documentary film '8: The Mormon Proposition,' at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010. The film explores the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' involvement in the passage of California's Proposition 8, which ruled against same-sex couples' right to marry. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

In this Nov. 7, 2008 publicity image released by the Sundance ...

(AP) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:22:52 GMT

(AP) - In this Nov. 7, 2008 publicity image released by the Sundance Film Festival, people gather to protest the Mormon church and their support of California's 2008 Proposition 8, a ballot initiative banning gay marriage, in Salt Lake City. The Mormon position on gay marriage is the focus of the documentary '8: The Mormon Proposition'. (AP Photo/Sundance Film Festival)

In this Nov. 7, 2008 publicity image released by the Sundance ...

(AP) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:22:34 GMT

(AP) - In this Nov. 7, 2008 publicity image released by the Sundance Film Festival, people gather to protest at Mormon headquarters and their support of California's 2008 Proposition 8, a ballot initiative banning gay marriage, in Salt Lake City. The Mormon position on gay marriage is the focus of the documentary '8: The Mormon Proposition'. (AP Photo/Sundance Film Festiva, david danielsl)

Irina Fyet (R), representing lesbian couple Irina Shepitko and ...

(Reuters) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:42:20 GMT

(Reuters) - Irina Fyet (R), representing lesbian couple Irina Shepitko and herself, listens to her attorney Nikolai Alexeyev (L) as she attends a hearing at Moscow City Court January 21, 2010. The lesbian couple in 2009 attempted to register for Russia's first gay marriage and, after receiving a rejection letter, brought the case into court. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA - Tags: SOCIETY CRIME LAW POLITICS)

Irina Fyet (front), representing lesbian couple Irina Shepitko ...

(Reuters) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:39:10 GMT

(Reuters) - Irina Fyet (front), representing lesbian couple Irina Shepitko and herself, attends a hearing at Moscow City Court January 21, 2010. The lesbian couple in 2009 attempted to register for Russia's first gay marriage and, after receiving a rejection letter, brought the case into court. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin (RUSSIA - Tags: SOCIETY CRIME LAW POLITICS)

This undated image provided by Adam Bouska/NOH8 Campaign shows ...

(AP) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:18:37 GMT

(AP) - This undated image provided by Adam Bouska/NOH8 Campaign shows Cindy McCain, the wife of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., posing for the NOH8 campaign. NOH8 is a gay rights group challenging Proposition 8 passed by California voters in 2008 banning same sex marriage. (AP Photo/Adam Bouska/NOH8 Campaign) NO SALES

Huston Fletcher, 17, center, dances with Phyllisia Reed, 17, ...

(AP) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:57:03 GMT

(AP) - Huston Fletcher, 17, center, dances with Phyllisia Reed, 17, left, and Jasmine Ward, 17, right, during the Purity Ball at the Seventh-day Adventist Madison church in Nashville, Tenn. on Jan. 16, 2010. The dance features a vow to abstain from sex until marriage and offer tips on 'appropriate' touching between the sexes. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)

Girls line up on one side of the room before pairing off to ...

(AP) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:56:45 GMT

(AP) - Girls line up on one side of the room before pairing off to learn ballroom dancing during the Purity Ball at the Seventh-day Adventist Madison church in Nashville, Tenn. on Jan. 16, 2010. The dance features a vow to abstain from sex until marriage and offer tips on 'appropriate' touching between the sexes. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)

Boys line up on one side of the room before pairing off to learn ...

(AP) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:56:36 GMT

(AP) - Boys line up on one side of the room before pairing off to learn ballroom dancing during the Purity Ball at the Seventh-day Adventist Madison church in Nashville, Tenn. on Jan. 16, 2010. The dance features a vow to abstain from sex until marriage and offer tips on 'appropriate' touching between the sexes. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)

Dance instructor James Brothers, center, helps participants ...

(AP) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:53:11 GMT

(AP) - Dance instructor James Brothers, center, helps participants with their ballroom dancing during the Purity Ball at the Seventh-day Adventist Madison church in Nashville, Tenn. on Jan. 16, 2010. The dance features a vow to abstain from sex until marriage and offer tips on 'appropriate' touching between the sexes. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)

Posters for the Purity Ball are displayed on a table at the ...

(AP) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:52:08 GMT

(AP) - Posters for the Purity Ball are displayed on a table at the Seventh-day Adventist Madison church in Nashville, Tenn. on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010. The dance features a vow to abstain from sex until marriage and offer tips on 'appropriate' touching between the sexes. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)

Jeiel Ballard, 16, right, and his date Yvonne Gross, 16, dance ...

(AP) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:50:33 GMT

(AP) - Jeiel Ballard, 16, right, and his date Yvonne Gross, 16, dance at the Purity Ball at the Seventh-day Adventist Madison church in Nashville, Tenn. on Jan. 16, 2010. The dance features a vow to abstain from sex until marriage and offer tips on 'appropriate' touching between the sexes. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)

Jeiel Ballard, 16, right, and his date Yvonne Gross, 16, talk ...

(AP) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:49:15 GMT

(AP) - Jeiel Ballard, 16, right, and his date Yvonne Gross, 16, talk together before entering the Purity Ball at the Seventh-day Adventist Madison church in Nashville, Tenn. on Jan. 16, 2010. The dance features a vow to abstain from sex until marriage and offer tips on 'appropriate' touching between the sexes. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders speaks during a news conference ...

(AP) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:34:09 GMT

(AP) - San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders speaks during a news conference in San Francisco, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. Mayor Jerry Sanders took the witness stand on behalf of two same-sex couples suing to overturn Proposition 8, California's voter-approved gay marriage ban. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, center, speaks at a news conference ...

(AP) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:22:58 GMT

(AP) - San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, center, speaks at a news conference next to his daughter Lisa in San Francisco on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. Mayor Jerry Sanders took the witness stand on behalf of two same-sex couples suing to overturn Proposition 8, California's voter-approved gay marriage ban. Lisa Sanders is married to Meaghan Yaple. At left is San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, left, hugs his daughter Lisa ...

(AP) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:22:15 GMT

(AP) - San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, left, hugs his daughter Lisa as her wife Meaghan Yaple, right, watches after a news conference in San Francisco, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. Sanders took the witness stand on behalf of two same-sex couples suing to overturn Proposition 8, California's voter-approved gay marriage ban.(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Andrew Pugno, lead counsel for Protectmarriage.com, speaks at ...

(AP) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:21:14 GMT

(AP) - Andrew Pugno, lead counsel for Protectmarriage.com, speaks at news conference in San Francisco, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. San Diego Mayor Sanders took the witness stand on behalf of two same-sex couples suing to overturn Proposition 8, California's voter-approved gay marriage ban. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Rev. Helen Leona Brock of Honolulu, Hawaii waves to cars during ...

(AP) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:27:28 GMT

(AP) - Rev. Helen Leona Brock of Honolulu, Hawaii waves to cars during a rally against�legislation that would allow same-sex couples to form civil unions at Hawaii's State Capital, in Honolulu, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010. (AP Photo/Lucy Pemoni)

Mosiana Tonga, 18 of Kalihi, Hawaii waves to cars during a rally ...

(AP) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:25:20 GMT

(AP) - Mosiana Tonga, 18 of Kalihi, Hawaii waves to cars during a rally against�legislation that would allow same-sex couples to form civil unions at Hawaii's State Capital, in Honolulu, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010. (AP Photo/Lucy Pemoni)

Miji Kim, right, of Honolulu and other members of King's Cathedral ...

(AP) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:24:55 GMT

(AP) - Miji Kim, right, of Honolulu and other members of King's Cathedral Church with several other hundreds protester against�legislation that would allow same-sex couples to form civil unions at Hawaii's State Capital, in Honolulu, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010. (AP Photo/Lucy Pemoni)

A wedding cake featuring two grooms and two brides, symbolizing ...

(AFP/File) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:55:48 GMT

(AFP/File) - A wedding cake featuring two grooms and two brides, symbolizing gay marriage. Legalizing same-sex marriage would generate millions of dollars for San Francisco, the city's chief economist said Thursday, as a trial on California's gay wedding ban entered a fourth day.(AFP/File/Hector Mata)

Supporters of same-sex marriage carry signs during a march rally ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:37:51 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - Supporters of same-sex marriage carry signs during a march rally in on Hollywood Boulevard following the California Supreme Court's ruling to uphold Proposition 8 in Los Angeles, California, in 2009. The US Supreme Court on Wednesday barred the live broadcast of audio and video from a California court where rights activists are challenging a state ban on gay marriage.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Kevork Djansezian)

A Chinese man applies make-up for a party at a gay bar in Dali, ...

(AFP/File) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:57:00 GMT

(AFP/File) - A Chinese man applies make-up for a party at a gay bar in Dali, southwest China's Yunan province. A gay couple in the southwest city of Chengdu have staged a public homosexual "marriage" with the media calling it "the first such public event in the country".(AFP/File)

File photo of gay and lesbian activists in Hong Kong. State ...

(AFP/File) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:57:00 GMT

(AFP/File) - File photo of gay and lesbian activists in Hong Kong. State press splashed a front-page photo of China's first publicly "married" gay couple on Wednesday -- the latest sign of new openness about homosexuality in a country where it has long been taboo.(AFP/File/Ted Aljibe)

Same-sex couple Kris Perry, left, and Sandy Stier hold hands ...

(AP) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:49:42 GMT

(AP) - Same-sex couple Kris Perry, left, and Sandy Stier hold hands outside of the federal courthouse after their first day in court in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. A federal trial beginning on Monday in San Francisco will consider whether the Proposition 8 same-sex marriage ban in California is legal. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Attorney Theodore Olson, left, speaks in front of attorney David ...

(AP) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:00:32 GMT

(AP) - Attorney Theodore Olson, left, speaks in front of attorney David Boies, right, during a news conference in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. Olson is representing same-sex couple Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier. Boies is representing same-sex couple Jeff Zarrillo and Paul Katami. The first federal trial to determine if the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from outlawing same-sex marriage gets under way in San Francisco on Monday, and the two gay couples on whose behalf the case was brought will be among the first witnesses. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Attorney Andy Pugno speaks during a news conference in San Francisco, ...

(AP) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:55:41 GMT

(AP) - Attorney Andy Pugno speaks during a news conference in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. Pugno is representing Yes on Proposition 8, that is against same-sex marriages. The first federal trial to determine if the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from outlawing same-sex marriage gets under way in San Francisco on Monday, and the two gay couples on whose behalf the case was brought will be among the first witnesses. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Attorney Andy Pugno speaks during a news conference in San Francisco, ...

(AP) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:52:50 GMT

(AP) - Attorney Andy Pugno speaks during a news conference in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. Pugno is representing Yes on Proposition 8. The first federal trial to determine if the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from outlawing same-sex marriage gets under way in San Francisco on Monday, and the two same-sex couples on whose behalf the case was brought will be among the first witnesses. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Attorney Theodore Olson speaks during a news conference in San ...

(AP) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:51:49 GMT

(AP) - Attorney Theodore Olson speaks during a news conference in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. Olson is representing same-sex couple Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier. The first federal trial to determine if the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from outlawing same-sex marriage gets under way in San Francisco on Monday, and the two same-sex couples on whose behalf the case was brought will be among the first witnesses. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Attorney David Boies speaks during a news conference in San ...

(AP) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:51:12 GMT

(AP) - Attorney David Boies speaks during a news conference in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. Boies is representing same-sex couple Jeff Zarrillo and Paul Katami. The first federal trial to determine if the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from outlawing same-sex marriage gets under way in San Francisco on Monday, and the two same-sex couples on whose behalf the case was brought will be among the first witnesses. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Same-sex marriage supporters block a sign of those who oppose ...

(Reuters) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:37:47 GMT

(Reuters) - Same-sex marriage supporters block a sign of those who oppose it prior to the start of a trial outside the federal courthouse in San Francisco, California January 11, 2010. Two gay men and two lesbians challenging a California ban on same-sex marriage on Monday said their relationships had lasted for years but they felt like third-class citizens, leading them to launch the federal case that could set a national precedent. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY CRIME LAW)

Same-sex married couple Stuart Gaffney (L) and John Lewis, who ...

(Reuters) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:36:44 GMT

(Reuters) - Same-sex married couple Stuart Gaffney (L) and John Lewis, who have been married since 2008, stand outside the federal courthouse in San Francisco, California January 11, 2010. Two gay men and two lesbians challenging a California ban on same-sex marriage on Monday said their relationships had lasted for years but they felt like third-class citizens, leading them to launch the federal case that could set a national precedent. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY CRIME LAW)

Proposition 8 supporter Mark Wassberg carries a sign during ...

(Reuters) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:35:38 GMT

(Reuters) - Proposition 8 supporter Mark Wassberg carries a sign during the opening day of a same-sex marriage trial in federal court in San Francisco, California January 11, 2010. Two gay men and two lesbians challenging a California ban on same-sex marriage on Monday said their relationships had lasted for years but they felt like third-class citizens, leading them to launch the federal case that could set a national precedent. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY CRIME LAW)

Theodore Olson (L) and David Boies, attorneys for two same sex ...

(Reuters) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:32:28 GMT

(Reuters) - Theodore Olson (L) and David Boies, attorneys for two same sex couples, address reporters following the opening day of a same-sex marriage trial in federal court in San Francisco, California January 11, 2010. Two gay men and two lesbians challenging a California ban on same-sex marriage on Monday said their relationships had lasted for years but they felt like third-class citizens, leading them to launch the federal case that could set a national precedent. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW SOCIETY)

David Boies (R), Theodore Olson (C) and Ted Boutrous, attorneys ...

(Reuters) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:24:59 GMT

(Reuters) - David Boies (R), Theodore Olson (C) and Ted Boutrous, attorneys for two same sex couples, address reporters following the opening day of a same-sex marriage trial in federal court in San Francisco, California January 11, 2010. Two gay men and two lesbians challenging a California ban on same-sex marriage on Monday said their relationships had lasted for years but they felt like third-class citizens, leading them to launch the federal case that could set a national precedent. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY)

Same-sex couple Jeffrey Zarrillo, left, and Paul Katami leave ...

(AP) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:59:38 GMT

(AP) - Same-sex couple Jeffrey Zarrillo, left, and Paul Katami leave the federal courthouse after their first day in court in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. A federal trial beginning on Monday in San Francisco will consider whether the Proposition 8 same-sex marriage ban in California is legal. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Same-sex couples from left, Kris Perry, Sandy Stier, Jeffrey ...

(AP) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:56:14 GMT

(AP) - Same-sex couples from left, Kris Perry, Sandy Stier, Jeffrey Zarrillo and Paul Katami leave the federal courthouse after their first day in court in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. A federal trial beginning on Monday in San Francisco will consider whether the Proposition 8 same-sex marriage ban in California is legal. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Marilee Kreml sings with a group of same-sex marriage supporters ...

(Reuters) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:54:04 GMT

(Reuters) - Marilee Kreml sings with a group of same-sex marriage supporters outside the federal courthouse in San Francisco, California January 11, 2010. California's ban on gay marriage went to trial in a federal case that plaintiffs hope to take all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and overturn bans throughout the nation. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith

Two men protest to passing motorists during a gay rally in Hollywood ...

(AFP/File) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:50:08 GMT

(AFP/File) - Two men protest to passing motorists during a gay rally in Hollywood in 2009. A landmark federal court case on same-sex marriage got underway in California Monday, with attorneys arguing that outlawing weddings between gays and lesbians violates the US constitution.(AFP/File/Mark Ralston)

A same-sex marriage supporter holds a sign before a press conference ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:50:08 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - A same-sex marriage supporter holds a sign before a press conference in Sacramento, California, in 2009. A landmark federal court case on same-sex marriage got underway in California Monday, with attorneys arguing that outlawing weddings between gays and lesbians violates the US constitution.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Max Whittaker)

From left, Paul Katami, Jeff Zarrillo, Kris Perry and Sandy ...

(AP) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:44:48 GMT

(AP) - From left, Paul Katami, Jeff Zarrillo, Kris Perry and Sandy Stier stand together outside a home in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. The two same-sex couples are plaintiffs in a federal court case on California's same-sex marriage ban. The federal trial is scheduled to begin later Monday in San Francisco. It will consider whether the Proposition 8 gay marriage ban approved by California voters in November 2008 is legal. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

From left, Paul Katami, Jeff Jeff Zarrillo, left, and Paul Katami, ...

(AP) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:43:50 GMT

(AP) - From left, Paul Katami, Jeff Jeff Zarrillo, left, and Paul Katami, Kris Perry and Sandy Stier talk outside a home in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. The two same-sex couples are plaintiffs in a federal court case on California's same-sex marriage ban. The federal trial is scheduled to begin later Monday in San Francisco. It will consider whether the Proposition 8 gay marriage ban approved by California voters in November 2008 is legal. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Same-sex couple Elizabeth Chase (L) and Kate Baldridge stand ...

(Reuters) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:41:06 GMT

(Reuters) - Same-sex couple Elizabeth Chase (L) and Kate Baldridge stand outside the federal courthouse in San Francisco, California January 11, 2010. California's ban on gay marriage went to trial in a federal case that plaintiffs hope to take all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and overturn bans throughout the nation. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY IMAGES OF THE DAY)