The U.S. Supreme Court on April 28 heard oral arguments on the constitutionality of states’ restricting the definition and recognition of marriage to the union of one man and one woman. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, commented, “Marriage is and always will be the union between one man and one woman. This truth is inseparable from the duty to honor the God-given dignity of every human person.” Archbishop Kurtz added, “We pray that the justices will uphold the responsibility of states to protect the beautiful truth of marriage, which concerns the essential well-being of the nation, especially children. Children have a basic right, wherever possible, to know and be loved by their mother and father together. The church will always defend this right and looks to people of good will to continue this debate with charity and civility.” The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling by the end of June.