SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A challenge to Utah's same-sex marriage ban by three gay couples is scheduled to be back in court Wednesday as a federal court judge hears arguments in a case being closely watched around the U.S.
U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby is expected to ask many questions during the hearing, but his ruling will likely come at a later date.
There are 46 similar court challenges to same-sex marriage bans in 22 states, but Utah's case is among the ones being closely watched because of the state's history of being staunchly against the notion of allowing gays and lesbians to wed, said Jon Davidson, director of Lambda Legal which pursues litigation on a wide range of LGBT issues across the country.
Utah is home to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which believes homosexual activity is a sin and is known for its efforts in helping California pass its anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment. And the state was among the first to pass a state amendment banning same-sex marriage, which it did in 2004, Davidson said.
"Utah has a particularly symbolic position in the history of the struggle of same sex couples to be able to marry," Davidson said.