Federal Judge Won't Delay Wisconsin Gay Marriage Case

MADISON - A federal judge has denied a motion by the state to stay the case involving the constitutionality of Wisconsin's marriage amendment.

U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb on Monday said delaying the case would serve no purpose. The state filed a motion earlier this month asking that the case be stayed until the Wisconsin Supreme Court rules on the domestic partner registry.

Crabb said the state has not explained specifically how the registry case is likely to change issues in the marriage amendment challenge, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.

The amendment adopted in 2006 defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Eight same-sex couples have sued state officials, challenging the constitutionality of the amendment.