Indiana, Wisconsin Set To Defend Gay Marriage Bans

CHICAGO (AP) — Attorneys for Indiana and Wisconsin are set defend their states' gay marriage bans before a federal appeals court in Chicago.

Civil rights advocates had challenged both states' bans, arguing that they violated gay couples' right to equal protection. Federal judges in both states struck their respective bans down in June.

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller have asked the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the bans. Both argue states have the authority to set marriage standards.

The court consolidated the appeals and is set to hear oral arguments Tuesday. It's unclear when the court might rule. The outcome could directly affect hundreds of couples who were married after the judges overturned the bans but before their rulings were put on hold.