CARSON CITY, Nev. — A Nevada state Senate committee heard testimony on Tuesday on a resolution to repeal the state’s constitutional provision that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.

WASHINGTON -- For the second consecutive day, the U.S. Supreme Court today tackled crucial gay-rights issues, this time peppering questions at attorneys on both sides of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) appeal.

The initial impression is that if the high court takes the case, instead of refusing it because of serious questions about legal standing about whether House Republicans can defend the law in court, it that a clear majority of justices are in favor of striking down DOMA.

WASHINGTON – Dissecting the transcript of the Supreme Court hearing on Proposition 8 and listening to the audio for nuances and emphasis can lead one to conclude that the nine justices are squirming under their black robes and concerned about rendering a sweeping decision that would affect the entire country.

The gay son of U.S. Sen. Rob Portman tells his coming out story in a column that praises his father for being thoughtful and open minded, and for the GOP Senator’s willingness to take a political risk by supporting marriage equality for same-sex couples.