Utah May Seek Supreme Court Help in Marriage Suit

Utah officials are threatening to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a lawsuit filed by same-sex couples demanding to have their marriages recognized.

Attorneys for Utah say in court filings Monday that they'll appeal to the high court if a federal appeals court lifts the hold on a requirement to move forward with benefits for about 1,000 gay marriages.

U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball in Utah ruled in favor of gay and lesbian couples last month, setting implementation of his order for Monday.

But last week, a Denver-based appeals court granted Utah's request to temporarily delay that ruling.

Utah officials argue that if the marriages are recognized now, it will jeopardize their legal appeal of Kimball's ruling.

The gay couples suing the state have asked court to reverse its decision.