Today, the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments in marriage equality cases from three states. And they went well for us.
From The Times-Picayune:
Oral arguments on Louisiana's same-sex marriage ban concluded Friday morning in federal appeals court in downtown New Orleans, with a lawyer defending the state's ban on gay marriage fielding most of the questions during the hour-long hearing.
Two of the three judges on the panel -- Obama appointee James Graves and Reagan appointee Patrick Higginbotham -- asked skeptical questions about the state's position in defense of the ban, barely letting attorney Kyle Duncan conclude his opening remarks.
[...]
Camilla Taylor, the lawyer representing seven Louisiana same-sex couples challenging the ban, faced far fewer questions from the judges.
"I am very relieved, and very optimistic," Taylor said outside the courtroom.
[...]
Duncan' s co-counsel, Mike Johnson, said the lively line of questioning Friday was a good sign.
In every other circuit, the decision has been in line with the oral argument. The Tenth and Fourth leant in favor of marriage equality, and decided in favor of it 2-1. The Seventh and Ninth were clearly in favor of marriage equality, and decided in favor of it 3-0. The Sixth leant against marriage equality and decided against it 2-1.
I can't believe I'm saying this about the Fifth Circuit, but I think the odds are more in our favor than against.