Opponents of same-sex marriage argue that the equality argument made by gay rights campaigners is a false one and that there are real social risks involved in redefining the notion of marriage in ways broader than the traditional union of man and woman.

CNN: Opinion: Why the fuss about gay marriage?

The announcement comes weeks after Spears lashed out at US tabloid magazines which she called "false" and "desperate" for speculating that she was pregnant and her marriage already in trouble.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | Britney confirms she is pregnant