Advocates on both sides of the gay marriage debate have filed briefs in two highly anticipated Supreme Court cases. Later this month, the court will hear arguments on Proposition 8, California’s ban on gay marriage and on the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. This week, the Obama administration as well as several dozen prominent Republicans, including many from the Bush administration, filed briefs in support of gay marriage and opposing the California ban. Religious groups have also filed briefs both in favor of and against gay marriage. Meanwhile, outside the court on Wednesday (February 27), civil rights and some faith organizations urged the justices to strike down a challenge to the Voting Rights Act.