The Supreme Court did not rule on two
cases related to gay marriage on Thursday, leaving only two Decision
Days left in the current session.
The high court released three opinions
on Thursday morning.
With so many decision left to be
released, many insiders believe the court will add a third day to the
schedule next week as the session comes to a close.
Oral arguments in the cases were heard
in March.
One case challenges the
constitutionality of Proposition 8, California's gay marriage ban,
while the other claims the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which
prohibits federal agencies from recognizing the legal marriages of
gay and lesbian couples, is unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, gay rights groups are
preparing events throughout the nation. In California, AFER, the
group formed to challenge Prop 8, is promoting its Decision
Day event, which will take place in West Hollywood at 5:30PM on
the day the court rules.
Of course, whether to celebrate or
commiserate remains the question. Experts predict that the court
will strike down DOMA.
The possible outcomes in Hollingsworth
v. Perry, the Prop 8 case, vary from a narrow decision allowing
the plaintiffs in the case, two gay couples, to marry, to a broad
ruling which could affect the entire nation. The court could also
uphold Prop 8. But more likely, experts say, is a decision that
would limit the expansion of such rights to California.
The next day the court could act is
Monday.