'Good News, Bad News' in Gay Marriage Decision

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear gay marriage cases Monday, clearing the way for the expansion of same-sex marriage in America.

The justices let stand lower court rulings overturning voter-approved constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage in five states.

The court's refusal to take the cases opens the door for same-sex marriages in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Gay and lesbian couples celebrated the news, with many marrying within hours of the decision.

How does this decision affect other similar cases? Brad Jacob, associate professor at Regent University School of Law, explains this and how it effectively legalizes gay marriage in 30 states.

The move raises the number of states allowing same-sex marriage to 24 and could increase to 30 in coming weeks.

Supporters of traditional marriage were disappointed in the court's decision but said they won't give up the fight.

"There is bad news and good news in this decision," Peter Sprigg, with the Family Research Council, said.

"The bad news from our perspective is that these states have been denied the opportunity to defend their marriage laws in the highest court in the land," he explained.

"The good news," he added, "is that the Supreme Court does not seem to be as eager to issue a sweeping ruling redefining marriage as many observers seem to think they were."