. . . Gays Deserve Equal Rights  —  States shouldn't remain free to discriminate for as long as they wish.  —  Four years ago, the two us of joined forces and launched a federal constitutional challenge to Proposition 8, a ballot initiative which eliminated the right of same-sex couples in California to marry.

GOP chairman urges tolerance for views on gay marriage  —  Republican National Chairman Reince Priebus, on USA TODAY's Capital Download, says the party shouldn't act ‘like Old Testament heretics’ on same-sex marriage but should welcome those who support it.  —  WASHINGTON — The GOP platform leaves …

Bill Clinton's Decision, and Regret, on Defense of Marriage Act  —  WASHINGTON — He had just flown across the country after an exhausting campaign day in Oregon and South Dakota, landing at the White House after dark.  But President Bill Clinton still had more business before bed.

JOIN US  —  This week, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two key marriage cases: On Tuesday, the Court will hear oral arguments in Hollingworth v. Perry, the challenge to California's Proposition 8, and on Wednesday, the Court will hear oral arguments in Windsor v. United States …

Poll: Support for stricter gun control wanes  —  Poll analysis by Sarah Dutton, Jennifer De Pinto, Anthony Salvanto and Fred Backus  —  Soon after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., announced an assault weapons ban would not be part of a gun control bill, a new CBS News poll shows support …