Utah and Marriage Equality

The state of Utah will appeal to the Supreme Court for an emergency stay on the lower court decision overturning the ban on same sex marriage in Utah. Some observers think that the Justice Sonia Sotomayer, who will receive the appeal, will punt it to the full supreme court for consideration. If there are not five votes to grant the stay, and observers think there are not, then it's game, set, and match for marriage equality nationwide. This is because a "no stay" ruling will be an acknowledgement that the constitution protects the rights of same sex couples to marry in Utah and, by extension, everywhere else. Yes, the battle will continue to be fought on a state by state basis, but the cause will be lost for those who oppose marriage equality.