A protester opposed to same-sex marriage interrupted the Supreme Court on Tuesday as justices heard oral arguments in a landmark case.

“If you support gay marriage then you will burn in hell for eternity,” a protester yelled. “This is an abomination of God.”

{mosads}The protester could be heard yelling even as he was removed from the room by security and taken into the hallway.

The disruption came right after Mary Bonauto, one of the lawyers arguing in support of same-sex marriage and a MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant recipient for her work on the issue, finished speaking.

The court is hearing a group of cases this week questioning the constitutionality of same-sex marriage bans across the country. They are expected to render their decision in June.

After the disruption, Chief Justice John Roberts offered Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. a moment to compose himself before he began his arguments for the government in favor of same-sex marriage.

Verrilli said he would proceed “if the Court is ready,” according to a transcript.

“Well, we’re ready,” Roberts said. “Okay.”

“It was rather refreshing, actually,” joked Justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative Catholic who has appeared skeptical of a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, to laughter.

And with that, Verrilli began his arguments.

—Lydia Wheeler contributed.