A huge crowd both for and against gay marriage swarmed outside the Supreme Court, eager to take part in what may turn out to be a pivotal moment in the struggle for equal rights for gay Americans.At issue is California’s ban on gay marriage, the first of two cases the high court will take up this week that could clarify the rights for same sex couples to marry.Among those supporting gay marriage is the Reverend Darryl Kistler from California.“I have a lot of gay and lesbian people in my congregation, family members who are gay and lesbian,a lot of deep friends and good friends who are gay and lesbian, so, since they're not here,I feel like I carry then with my heart and am here to speak for them and to stand up for them," he said.Recent polls show growing support for gay marriage around the country.At the moment only nine states and the District of Columbia recognize same sex marriages.But supporters of traditional marriage were also out in force Tuesday,staging a march in front of the Supreme Court and insisting that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.Ann Cohrs was among them.“They can do what they do," she said. "They can live the way they want to live. But they cannot turn society upside down. It is wrong.”
