Colorado's Gay Marriage Ban Heads to Federal Court

A Denver federal judge is set to hear arguments Tuesday from six gay couples seeking to overturn Colorado's same-sex marriage ban.

The couples are asking for an injunction declaring the state's gay marriage ban unconstitutional, allowing clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Attorney General John Suthers isn't opposing the injunction. But if the judge blocks the law, Suthers is asking that the ruling be put on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court settles the issue.

Clerks in Boulder, Denver, and Pueblo counties have already issued licenses to gay couples after court rulings saying same-sex marriage bans are unconstitutional. But the Colorado Supreme Court last week ordered Denver to stop while the ban remains in place.

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