The Wisconsin Supreme Court is ideologically split between liberals and conservatives. So whoever wins the open seat April 1 probably will control the future of marriage in the state.
In 2006, 59 percent of Wisconsin passed a constitutional amendment protecting marriage. Gay activists have challenged the amendment all the way to the state's highest court.
“It’s the will of the people in Wisconsin that defines marriage, and the Supreme Court of Wisconsin should not disturb that will," said Austin Nimocks, senior legal counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund.
The case is expected to rest in the hands of candidates Louis Butler, who leans liberal, or Michael Gabelman, who leans conservative.
Julaine Appling, executive director of the Wisconsin Family Council, said the stakes are high.
“How the candidates see the current makeup of the court and their role in it will be incredibly critical as we move forward with this court," she said. “Whatever the court looks like when that marriage amendment hits, will be critical to the preservation of marriage in this state.”
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Twenty-seven states have amended their constitutions to protect marriage.
