Judge Promises Ruling Soon on Idaho Gay Marriage

A federal magistrate says she will decide soon if Idaho's ban on same-sex marriage violates the equal protection guarantees of the U.S. Constitution.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale told attorneys for four couples Monday that the emotional case raised lots of questions, and that she would get a ruling out in the relatively near future.

The four couples, all women, say Idaho discriminates by subjecting them to different tax rules and denying them rights given heterosexual families. Two of the couples were married in other states, and the other two were denied marriage licenses in Idaho.

Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, a defendant, is asking the judge rule in his favor. Otter says same-sex marriage hurts kids, and that states have the right to define marriage as they see fit.