Supreme Court Will Rule Quickly On Gay Marriage Amendment

The Arkansas Supreme Court will give a quick hearing to a challenge of a proposed amendment banning same-sex marriage. The Arkansas American Civile Liberties Union filed the challenge Thursday, and asked the high court for an expedited hearing. The high court Friday told both sides to submit written arguments September 15th, and that the sides will have to provide their replies to the arguments by September 20th. The Supreme Court set a September 23rd date for oral arguments. The ACLU argues that the proposed amendment has greater implications than simply banning gay marriage. The group says the ballot item could strip common law married couples who move to Arkansas from other states of homestead protections and other rights. The Marriage Amendment committee disputes that claim. Organizers behind the amendment say they were prepared for a court challenge. The item has been certified for the November second ballot.