Attorneys Ask Full Court to Hear Wis. Gay Marriage Case

Wisconsin attorneys want all 10 judges on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to consider upholding the state's gay marriage ban.

U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb declared the ban unconstitutional last month. Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has appealed to the 7th Circuit.

A federal judge in Indiana has struck down that state's ban as well.

That state's attorneys also have asked the 7th Circuit to review the decision. The court consolidated the Wisconsin and Indiana cases on Friday and put them on the fast track.

Usually the 7th Circuit uses three-judge panels to decide cases. But Indiana attorneys filed a request late Friday asking all 10 judges to hear their appeal. Wisconsin attorneys joined that request Monday, saying the cases are exceptionally important.

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.