WASHINGTON (RNS) From sidewalk preachers toting megaphones to anti-gay zealots warning of the destruction of America to gay and lesbian couples proudly waving gay-pride rainbow flags, the scene on Tuesday outside the U.S. Supreme Court reflected the high stakes — and high emotions — over the future of gay marriage. Supporters of gay marriage easily outnumbered opponents, who were drowned out by shouts of “Love Must Win!” and “Marriage Now!” Inside the court, officers removed a protester who warned of “burning in hell for eternity” and the “judgment of God” should the high court legalize same-sex marriage.
Photos by Adelle M. Banks and Kevin Eckstrom
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- Crowds gathered in front of the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015 as justices heard arguments about same-sex marriage. Religion News Service photo by Adelle M. Banks
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- Joe Capley-Alfano, left, and Frank Capley-Alfano of Oakland, Calif., stand in front of the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015 as justices heard arguments about same-sex marriage. The couple have been together for 15 years and married in 2008 before Proposition 8 halted gay marriage in California until 2013. Religion News Service photo by Adelle M. Banks
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- Alan Hoyle of Lincolnton, N.C., protests against same-sex marriage outside the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015 as justices heard arguments about whether to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. Religion News Service photo by Adelle M. Banks
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- An “Equality” flag waves against the sky as crowds gathered in front of the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015 as justices heard arguments about same-sex marriage. Religion News Service photo by Adelle M. Banks
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- Peter Hogan of Washington, D.C., right, holds a flag with stars and rainbow stripes in front of the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015, when the court’s justices considered whether to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. Religion News Service photo by Adelle M. Banks
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- Samuel Brinton, a nuclear physicist and member of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., poses as Novice Sister Ray Dee O’Active outside the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015, when the court’s justices considered whether to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. He is a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a protest group that he called a “queer order of nuns.” Religion News Service photo by Adelle M. Banks
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- A group of Orthodox Jews protest against same-sex marriage outside the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015 as justices considered whether to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. Religion News Service photo by Adelle M. Banks
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- Ikeita Cantu, left, and Carmen Guzman, of McLean, Va., hold signs in front of the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015 as justices inside considered arguments about legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. They were married in 2009 in Canada. Religion News Service photo by Adelle M. Banks
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- Marcos German-Dominguez of Boston, a supporter of same-sex marriage, stands in front of the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015 as justices inside heard arguments about legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. Religion News Service photo by Adelle M. Banks
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- A group of Reform Jewish rabbis and educators held a spontaneous counterprotest next to a group of Orthodox Jews on April 28, 2015 as the Supreme Court justices heard arguments about whether to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. The group included, far right, Rabbi Denise Eger, the new president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the group’s first openly gay president. Religion News Service photo by Adelle M. Banks
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- People hold signs outside of the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015 after justices heard arguments about same-sex marriage. Religion News Service photo by Kevin Eckstrom
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- A man holds up a Bible in front of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, after justices hear arguments about same-sex marriage. Religion News Service photo by Kevin Eckstrom
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- Plaintiffs April DeBoer, left and Jayne Roswe, leave the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015 after justices heard arguments about same-sex marriage. Religion News Service file photo by Adelle M. Banks
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- A demonstrator holds up a sign reading “Love For All” outside of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, after justices heard arguments about same-sex marriage. Religion News Service photo by Kevin Eckstrom
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- People, including plaintiffs, leave the arguments of the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015 when the justices considered whether to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. Religion News Service photo by Adelle M. Banks