California Court Sets Gay Marriage Hearing

San Francisco, CA (AHN) - The California Supreme Court will hear arguments on the legality of same-sex marriages that is pitting gay-rights activists against religious conservatives.

The three-hour hearing on March 4 will involve four different lawsuits filed by same-sex couples against the gay marriage restriction, and two countersuits filed by organizations that stood by the regulation.

Local lawyers noted the support given to same-sex marriage by several cities, counties, and groups such as NAACP, groups of psychologists and anthropologists, companies such as Levi Strauss, and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, reported the San Francisco Chronicle.

Other supporters for gay marriage included the Mormon Church, and the California Catholic conference.

Attorney Dennis Herrera, a representative of an office participating in the hearing, noted that the number of supporters "shows the depth and breadth of a belief in the importance of a marriage equality."

The argument against gay marriage will be held up by attorney Matthew Staver of Liberty Counsel, representing the Campaign for California Families. He described a gay union as a factor that "will destroy the unique institution that provides a stable cultural environment for children and their families."

A total of 4,000 marriage licenses in four weeks were issued by the state back in 2004, but the Supreme Court ruled against the practice, bringing it to a halt and invalidating the marriages.

According to the Examiner, the March hearing is expected to announced its final ruling by early June.