[JURIST] Supreme Court nominee Judge John Roberts [JURIST news archive] helped gay rights activists win a key Supreme Court battle in the 1996 Romer v. Evans case [opinion] while doing pro bono work at Hogan and Hartson [firm website]. While Roberts didn't write a brief or argue before the Supreme Court, several lawyers involved with the case said he was "instrumental" in doing behind-the-scenes work that helped overturn a provision of the Colorado constitution that the court found discriminated against homosexuals. However, the work is not necessarily indicative of how Roberts would rule on such matters if confirmed to the Supreme Court, rather it shows his skill at advocating his client's position. No other cases or comments seem to suggest his personal position on gay rights. The LA Times has more.