Gay Rights, Historic | featured news

The Supreme Court began hearing a historic one-hour oral argument on marriage Tuesday which could lead to any one of a wide array of possible decisions -- from essentially leaving in place the traditional marriage laws now on the books in most states to proclaiming same-sex marriage a fundamental right under the United States Constitution.

The U.S. lobbied intensively for the resolution, which supports equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation. The move "puts the issue squarely on the U.N.'s agenda," a U.S. official says.