The Associated Press

Thu, Oct 2, 2008 (11:18 a.m.)

Advocates and opponents of gay marriage are gathering in downtown Los Angeles to speak at the only public hearing for a referendum that would ban same-sex marriage.

The focus of Thursday's hearing by state lawmakers is Proposition 8, a measure on the Nov. 4 ballot backed by a coalition of religious groups and the California Republican Party.

Opponents include gay-rights advocates, the American Civil Liberties Union, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and director Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw.

State Senate and Assembly judiciary committees are required to hold the hearing because it proposes a Constitutional amendment.