8. how is the equal protection clause understood today?

Equal protection law states that no person in state can be denied equal protection.

Explanation:

There were times when certain laws which were discriminatory in nature proved to be constitutional and legitimate.  

But after Board vs. education case, Supreme Court administrated that distinct but equivalent principle stipulated in the constitution has an element of inequality in it and hence it overruled the equal protection clause which was considered to be ground-breaking verdict in eradicating racial disparity to an extent. It ruled that the equal protection law intervened in the personal liberties of the same sex couple.  

i think the answer is c