Supreme Court Says No To YouTube Streaming Of Gay Rights Trial

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday temporarily prohibited online video streaming of the San Francisco-based trial that could uphold or knock down California's ban on same-sex marriage. The court also prohibited any other "broadcast of the proceedings" at least until Wednesday afternoon (PDF).

Defenders of the law, Prop. 8, argue that such a video presence could scare its witnesses and notes that a few had already dropped out of the trial under the threat of having their faces and anti-gay sentiments spread throughout the internet. They reportedly feared harassment, intimidation and even violence.

Opponents of the law argues the public's right to know what was happening in such a crucial test of civil rights outweighed the witnesses fears. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer seemed to agree, stating, "In my view, the court's standard for granting a stay is not met."

The trial is happening at the U.S. 9th Circuit court of appeals in San Francisco. One of the main plaintiffs is Burbank's Jeff Zarrillo, who stated in court Monday that he should have the right to "experience the same joy and happiness" as his married parents and brother.