SEATTLE — Same-sex marriage supporters gathered on the steps of the old federal courthouse in downtown Seattle, to encourage the U.S. Supreme Court justices to legalize gay marriage throughout the country.
This was the same meeting spot when the group rallied to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington State in 2012.
While same-sex couples can marry in Washington, their rights may not be the same when they travel to states where it is not legal. Currently, 36 states and Washington D.C. allow gay marriage.
Supreme Court justices are considering whether the remaining 14 states must recognize marriages that are legal elsewhere.
They are also considering whether the issue of gay marriage should be voted by the people or determined in courts.
Egan Orion of Seattle traveled to Washington D.C. to watch the arguments Tuesday.
“You only get one chance to see this sort of nationwide same-sex marriage case heard at the Supreme Court,” Orion said.
In Seattle, Charlene Strong watched media reports out of D.C. Strong became an outspoken advocate of gay rights, after her partner died in a flood in 2006. Strong was not allowed to be with her in the hospital.
Strong said that can still happen when a Washington couple goes to a state where gay marriage is illegal.
“I shouldn’t have to avoid states that don’t allow marriage simply because the state wants to deny us the ability to have that right. You know, I can drive anywhere in the country, and my driver’s license is valid, right?” she said.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Anthony Kennedy are seen by most as the swing votes. They asked tough questions of both sides Tuesday, without giving strong indication of which way they would go.
A decision is expected to be announced in June.
KIRO
