Gay Marriage Is New GOP Litmus Test for Supremes

Abortion has long been the hot-button issue at Supreme Court confirmations—but this year, gay marriage is taking over, conservatives say.  Senate Republicans believe that questioning over the matter could be the new litmus test to help reveal a candidate's overall philosophy, reports the Washington Post. “It may reflect the degree to which they think that they're not bound by the classical meaning of the Constitution” and whether “a personal agenda” will take precedence, said a key senator.

In the past 30 years, the abortion debate has been the centerpiece of questioning at confirmation hearings. Now, the conversation is shifting as conservatives try to prevent a ruling like Roe v. Wade in the future. “I don't think members of the court, or any of us, ever want to see a decision like that again,” said a GOP senator.
(More gay marriage stories.)