Lawyers are fielding tough questions as California Supreme Court justices hear arguments seeking to overturn the state's voter-approved ban on gay marriage.
Gay rights advocates are urging the court to overturn Proposition 8 on the grounds it was put before voters improperly, or at least prematurely.
But the measure's sponsors argue the ballot initiative was approved correctly.
Minutes into the proceedings justices peppered a lawyer arguing for gay rights advocates with tough questions over how 14 words of Proposition 8 represent a revision of the state's constitution.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people on both side of the issue are demonstrating outside the courthouse.
Once today's hearing concludes, the Supreme Court has 90 days to issue a ruling.
