Chief Justice Roberts’ Lesbian Cousin Jean Podrasky Attends Gay Marriage Hearings

Chief Justice John Roberts’ lesbian cousin, Jean Podrasky, who was in attendance during today's same-sex marriage hearings with her partner, sister and niece, wrote an op-ed expressing good faith in his eventual ruling. In Podrasky’s op-ed, emailed to members of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, she shares her belief that her conservative cousin will rule in favor of the progressive cause.

"I know that my cousin is a good man," she wrote, according to CNN. "I feel confident that John is wise enough to see that society is becoming more accepting of the humanity of same-sex couples and the simple truth that we deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality under the law.

"I believe he sees where the tide is going," she said. "I do trust him. I absolutely trust that he will go in a good direction."

Podrasky, who currently resides in San Francisco, has a vested interest in how the Supreme Court rules on Proposition 8. She and her partner, Grace Fasano, have been together for four years, and want the opportunity to be joined together in marriage. And of course, as all gay and lesbian couples, they want to see the high court repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA.) In 2006, the congressional law officially defined marriage as solely between one man and one woman.

The fight against California’s ban against gay marriage has been a long one for Podrasky, who campaigned fiercely against it when it picked up steam in the state. Using her connection to her chief justice cousin, she was able to gain admittance to the hearings that have the potential to be a vastly important part of history for the LGBT community – and for the country as a whole.

"I believe he understands that ruling in favor of equality will not be out of step with where the majority of Americans now sit," Podrasky continued in her op-ed. "I am hoping that the other justices (at least most of them) will share this view, because I am certain that I am not the only relative that will be directly affected by their rulings."

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