(05/23/07) HARTFORD ? Supporters and opponents of the hot-button topic of same-sex marriage held rallies in Hartford Wednesday.

About 150 members of the group Family Institute of Connecticut descended on the Capitol steps to protest same-sex marriages. The same-sex marriage bill has been dropped from this legislative session because proponents don?t feel they have enough votes for its passage. However, those against the bill said they need to keep up the pressure.

Critics are in favor of a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as an institution between a man and a woman. They want the issue to be decided by the people, not the courts.

?Let?s have a vote,? Brian Brown, of the Family Institute of Connecticut, said. ?If the proponents of same-sex marriage believe that the state wants this, then why are we so opposed to allowing a vote??

On the other side of the argument, supporters of same-sex marriages rallied on the steps of the state Supreme Court. The court is considering a challenge to the state?s civil union law that could pave the way for same-sex marriages. Supporters believe marriage is a civil right that shouldn?t be limited to heterosexual couples.

The Supreme Court heard arguments 10 days ago, but a decision is not expected for several months.