Gay Marriage Cases in Ohio Draw Activists

A 61-year-old Michigan man who says he wants to show that gay couples share the same values as heterosexual ones has camped out overnight outside a federal courthouse in Cincinnati to secure a courtroom seat for oral arguments over bans on same-sex marriage in his home state and three others.

Frank Colasonti (COHL'-uh-sahn-tee) Jr. of Birmingham, Michigan, obtained a courtroom spectator ticket Wednesday morning nearly six hours before the scheduled afternoon start of arguments before a three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Colasonti says he and his partner of 26 years married this year.

He was among a handful of people at the courthouse before it opened. Hundreds on both sides of the issue are expected for rallies and prayers vigils during the arguments.

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.