Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Same-Sex Marriage Bans

Four states — Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky — have bans on same-sex marriage that have been upheld in federal appeals court. On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether those bans violate the United States Constitution. The states say that a court ruling against them would thwart the will of their citizens. But defenders of same-sex marriage argue that equal protection laws afford them the same marriage rights as straight couples. A ruling is expected in June.

• More: Supreme Court Hears Challenge to 4 States’ Same-Sex Marriage Ban (NPR)