Finally, the big question of gay marriage legalization is upon us, something that could alter the history of America forever. It is expected that by June the axe will fall and the only superpower nation in the world may soon join the rest of Europe in facilitating same-sex marriages.
But everything may soon come down to reading. The Supreme Court is facing a herculean reading task as the august body is left with a series of briefs - all told about 7,500 pages. And this has to be done with utmost haste as it is expected that the pivotal hearing on same-sex marriages will fall on the 28th of April.
A Damocle's Sword
Yes, finally this could blow the lid hindering gay marriage legalization wide open.
On the other hand, this could also be the biggest blow for all those who have fought for the suppression of same-sex marriage.
As expected, the cases involved - including two from Ohio - have attracted a lot of attention, pundits from all direction weighing in on the mater - a legal activity surpassed only by the frenzy surrounding ObamaCare's 2012 Affordable Care Act when it landed on the Supreme Court's lap.
This time, the Supreme Court's decision expected to be handed this summer, could result in the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states, according to the Columbus Brief.
Reading Between the Lines
Now it all comes down to reading.
On one end you have those who call for same-sex legalization: attorneys representing same-sex couples from various states namely, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tenesse; Ohio Attorney General Mark DeWine and his counterparts, filing a series of briefs that total 850 pages.
But that's just for starters. Amicus or "friends of the court" weigh in sending in a total 144 briefs that total 6,700 pages as each filing range from 17 pages to 173 pages.
To note, these amicus briefs are arguments put forward by experts from all walks of life - religious, scientific, political - to influence the court's decision.
On the first week of April, 77 amicus briefs have been tendered in favor of same-sex marriage while a total 49 briefs oppose the notion - chief among them a pastor who warns of "God's judgement on the nation," according to USA Today.
And of course, there's the LDS Church along with 18 other religious groups which in its amicus brief brought its own strong opposition saying:
"Not withstanding our theological differences, we are united in declaring that the traditional institution of marriage is indispensable to the welfare of the American family and society."
Further the document read, "We are also united in our belief that a decision requiring the states to license or recognize same-sex marriage would generate church-state conflicts that will imperil vital religious liberties."
To note, not too long ago Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg officiated same-sex marriage in 2013 Labor Day weekend.
No matter which side of the fence you are sitting, the issue of same-sex marriage is daunting.
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