On Tuesday, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in four cases concerning the legalization of gay marriage. However, the justices appeared sharply divided on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage, and gave no sign of whether the High Court will rule for it or against it.

The topic of debate centered on the definition of marriage and whether the power to authorize or ban gay marriage should be left to voters in individual states or decided by the Court.

During the 2 ½-hour session, the conservative justices barraged the pro-gay marriage proponents with sharp questions while the more liberal justices peppered opponents with questions. Several of the court's liberal justices also argued that marriage is a fundamental right that is protected by the constitution.

"You are not taking away anything from heterosexual couples" by allowing same-sex couples to marry, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, according to The New York Times.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is liberal, also argued that people should be allowed to decide on same-sex marriage by deciding who they want to marry.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is considered a swing vote, asked several skeptical questions and, at times, seemed like he was leaning toward the conservative view. He added that he was wary of changing a definition of marriage.

"This definition has been with us for millennia, and I think it's very difficult for this court to say we know better," Kennedy said, reports Reuters.

At one point on Tuesday, an anti-gay marriage protester interrupted the court, yelling, "If you support gay marriage you will burn in hell," reported CNN. The man was then quickly detained and dragged outside.

"Rather refreshing actually," conservative Justice Antonin Scalia quipped in response.

In the meantime, hundreds of activists on both sides of the debate rallied outside.

The court is expected to issue a decision in the landmark case before the end of its term in late June.