Audrey Bilger

Just as we were putting together the post production to touches to the latest edition of Life Elsewhere, news came in that the Supreme Court ruled by a 5-to-4 vote that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage. Instantly, we decided we needed to hear from frequent contributors to the program and get their opinions on this landmark ruling. 

The US Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Same-Sex Marriage. Interviewed by NPR's Warren Olney.

Two different five-vote Supreme Court majorities made rulings today that advance the cause of same-sex marriage in the United States. The Court threw out the Defense of Marriage Act and paved the way for same-sex marriage in California. Also, last night's 13-hour filibuster over abortion law in Texas.

The Supreme Court of The United States has recently listened to arguments over two major decisions related to the rights of same-sex couples: Proposition 8 (State of California) and D.O.M.A. – the Defense Of Marriage Act (US Government). Their decisions will probably be announced in June –National Gay Pride Month.

Only fools try to predict decisions by the US Supreme Court, but after today's arguments about Proposition 8, there's a cautious consensus that the Court might make a very narrow decision. It might even decide not to decide on same-sex marriage one way or the other. What would that mean in California, where Prop 8 banned same-sex marriage in 2008, but where polls show there's now a majority in favor of opening up the institution to gays and lesbians?  On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point,

Jane Austen's classic novel "Pride and Prejudice" turns 200 today, and people around the world are donning their bonnets and lacing up their bodices to celebrate.

Discussion of Here Come the Brides! Reflections on Lesbian Love and Marriage.

If women are equal under the law, then bans on same-sex marriage are state-approved discrimination. We look at that and other arguments used by a federal judge to throw out Proposition 8 in California and set off arguments we’ll be hearing for a long time. Also, the House interrupts its six-week recess to vote on money to states, and girls may be reaching puberty earlier than before.  We look at the possible reasons and the challenges.