Projection: U.S. state bans gay marriage

WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing heightened expectations from gay rights supporters, the Obama administration is considering urging the Supreme Court to overturn California's ban on gay marriage — a move that could have a far-reaching impact on same-sex couples across the country.

DETROIT (AP) — A lesbian couple's desire to adopt each other's children has grown into a potentially groundbreaking challenge to Michigan's ban on same-sex marriage.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is wading into the fight over same-sex marriage at a time when public opinion is shifting rapidly in favor of permitting gay and lesbian couples to wed, but 40 states don’t allow it. The court’s first major examination of gay rights in 10 years begins Tuesday with a hearing on California’s ban on same-sex marriage. On Wednesday, the justices will consider the federal law that prevents legally married gay couples from receiving a range of benefits afforded straight married Americans.

The record levels of support for gay marriage have been ignited by more Americans than ever saying they know a family member or close friend who is gay, according to a new CNN/ORC poll released Monday.

In perhaps one of the biggest for the gay rights movement on the Republican side, sitting Ohio Sen. Rob Portman publicly came out in support for gay marriage Friday morning. His announcement came two years after Portman's son came out to him.

In perhaps one of the biggest for the gay rights movement on the Republican side, sitting Ohio Sen. Rob Portman publicly came out in support for gay marriage Friday morning. His announcement came two years after Portman's son came out to him.

The Supreme Court is poised to hear two blockbuster cases on gay rights this week, with historic implications for a cause that is advancing politically at lightning speed.

In 2004, Ohio was one of 13 states to pass a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. In 2013, the state seems ready to endorse the opposite position, according to a new poll commissioned by The Columbus Dispatch.