US Supreme Court to hear same-sex marriage case

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) – The United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges Tuesday morning.

The two issues at the heart of the case of are if same-sex couples have the right to marry and if those marriages must be recognized in other states.

For Walter Hodges and Charles Manuel of Roanoke, the case is very significant.

The couple says having their marriage legally recognized has been life changing.

Hodges says being married not only a symbolizes

their commitment and love, but it's given them legal rights including the ability to file joint taxes and survivor benefits.

Hodges is hopeful the Supreme Court will rule in favor of same-sex marriages. He says, "It's going to be not only a historically defining moment, I think it's kind of a new beginning."

Same-sex marriage is currently legal in 36 states and in the District of Columbia.

The Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling by late June.