On Wednesday, a federal judge in San Francisco, Calif., will consider whether to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state's same-sex marriage ban.
   
Last November, California voters approved Proposition 8, which defines marriage as just between a man and a woman. However, opponents have challenged that vote, arguing that Prop 8 denies gay couples equal protection.
   
In court Wednesday, Prop 8 supporters will try to argue that there is no need for a trial, based on Supreme Court precedent and the historical definition of marriage. 

In court papers, lawyers for Prop 8 supporters have said that traditional marriage "is one of the central institutions of our society" and that gay marriage is "a radical and highly controversial experiment."

If the lawsuit is not dismissed, it is scheduled for trial in January.