The case was heard on May 17, 2005, by Langa ACJ, Madala J, Mokgoro J, Moseneke J, Ngcobo J, O'Regan J, Sachs J, Skweyiya J, Yacoob J and Van Der Westhuizen J. MTK Moerane SC (with S. Nthai) appeared for the applicants, P Oosthuizen (with T Kathri) for the respondents, JJ Smyth QC for the first and second "amici curiae", GC Pretorius SC (with DM Achtzehn, PG Seleka and JR Bauer) for the third "amicus curiae", DI Berger SC (with F Kathree) for the applicants, and M Donen SC for the respondents. In the "Fourie" case, the applicants' counsel was instructed by the State Attorney, and the respondents' by M. van den Berg. The third "amicus curiae" was instructed by Motla Conradie. In the "Lesbian and Gay Equality Project" case, the applicants' counsel was instructed by Nicholls, Cambanis & Associates, and the respondents' by the State Attorney.