Where gay marriage cases stand in state courts

By The Associated Press | June 9, 2006

Gay and lesbian couples have lawsuits in several states asserting they should be allowed to marry. Where the cases stand:

--Washington state: The state Supreme Court heard arguments in March 2005 in a case in which 19 couples seek to overturn the state's Defense of Marriage Act. It's unclear when the court might rule.

--New Jersey: The state Supreme Court heard arguments in a case Feb. 15; it's unclear when the court might rule.

--New York: The state Court of Appeals, New York's top state court, heard arguments in a case May 31; it's unclear when the court might rule.

--California: A state court last year ruled that barring same-sex marriage is against the state Constitution. An appeals court is to hear the case on July 10. The three-judge panel will have 90 days to rule. Any decision is expected to be appealed to the state Supreme Court.

--Maryland: A judge on Jan. 20 struck down a 1973 state ban on same-sex marriages. The state has appealed the ruling.

--Connecticut: A state judge heard arguments in a gay marriage case on March 20. An appeal is expected whatever the outcome.

--Iowa: A trial in a gay marriage lawsuit is scheduled before a state judge for Oct. 23.