The United States Supreme Court decided on Monday (.pdf) to block videotaped coverage for the first few days of a federal trial in San Francisco that was supposed to be available on YouTube.

In 2008, voters in California approved a ballot measure banning same-sex marriage. Two gay couples who are suing say that the law violates their constitutional rights. Opponents of same-sex marriage say the law is constitutional and the will of the people. Proposition 8 changed California’s constitution to overturn a state Supreme Court ruling that allowed gay and lesbian couples to marry.

Judge Vaughn Walker decided to allow videotaped coverage of the nonjury trial to be posted on YouTube, overriding concerns of opponents of same-sex marriage who said those who testify could face harassment if their faces are widely broadcast.

In Monday’s ruling, the Supreme Court said it needed more time to consider the decision to broadcast the trial. Monday’s order will be in place until Wednesday.