At 9 a.m. today, the first federal trial to see "if the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from outlawing same-sex marriage" starts in San Francisco. The trial is expected to last anywhere from two to three weeks.

Unlike previously reported, early this morning the Supreme Court blocked video of the trial from being posted on YouTube, even with the time delay, "until the justices have more time to consider the issue."

The order will last until at least Wednesday.

Those who wanted cameras barred from the courtroom claimed that footage would violate federal court rules and could intimidate witnesses called to the stand. Take, for example, one of the defendent-interveners, William Tam, who filed a motion (.pdf) last week to withdraw from the case.

"The first reason is because I am fearful for my personal safety and the safety of my family," Tam wrote in the motion. "In the past I have received threats on my life, had my property vandalized and am recognized on the streets due to my association with Proposition 8. Now that the subject lawsuit is going to trial, I fear that I will get more publicity, be more recognizable and that the risk of harm to me and my family will increase."

Anyway, stay tuned today for images from the courthouse and updates on today's landmark trial. In the meantime, tell us: Do you think the trial should be broadcast or blocked?