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Supreme Court's Decision On Prop 8 & Its Impact In MN

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's a big day for same-sex marriage as the United States Supreme Court is expected to rule on California's Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage in that state, and decide whether it is constitutional.

The Supreme Court heard about Prop 8 and Wednesday they'll hear federal Defense of Marriage Act. The justices could rule several different ways on each case.

The hearings are drawing large rallies and protests outside. People lined up overnight outside the Supreme Court just to be one of the select few inside the chamber to hear lawyers argue Prop 8.

One of the plaintiffs in the Prop 8 case said she is hopeful, but those who support Prop 8 say the people spoke when they voted for it and the high court should leave it at that.

Whichever way the court rules, some say it could have an impact on Minnesota's fight over marriage equality.

If the court rules the California law is unconstitutional, some say that could call into question laws in other states that ban same-sex marriage, including Minnesota.

We just got statements from both sides of the issue here in Minnesota.

The group against same-sex marriage says the hearings "underscore the fact that it would be imprudent for legislators to force gay 'marriage' on this state when the majority of Minnesotans don't want it anyway."

The group supporting gay marriage says the ruling likely won't have a direct impact on Minnesota's same-sex couples, but says "our lawmakers have their own historic opportunity to secure the freedom to marry in the next eight weeks."

The Supreme Court could rule on these issues by late May.

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