Late-Breaking Friends of Same-Sex Marriage: Business Leaders, Republicans, and Football Players

The filing today by the Obama Administration of a brief in support of same-sex marriage (in the Prop 8 case, Perry v. Hollingsworth, to be heard March 26 by the U.S. Supreme Court) was not surprising, if not a foregone conclusion. But three amicus briefs filed this week in support of same-sex marriage did defy certain stereotypes. The first amicus brief was signed by over 130 prominent Republicans like Meg Whitman, John Huntsman, Clint Eastwood (and Michigan's David Stockman), asserting, "Although measures like Proposition 8 may rest on sincerely held beliefs, that does not sustain their constitutionality." The second brief was signed by businesses, making the case that "Prop 8 and similar laws impede efficient and productive business activity." And finally, Vikings punter Chris Kluwe and Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo filed a brief today, found in full here on Deadspin, that asserts "Professional sports play a major role shaping public opinion and urging societal progress, like it or not." (You have to love the "like it or not."  So in your face for a legal brief.)