Gay Couples' Lawyers Object to Full-Court Hearing in Indiana

Attorneys for same-sex couples challenging Indiana's gay marriage ban are objecting to the state's request that all 10 members of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals hear the case.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, Lambda Legal and a private law firm argue in a brief filed Monday that a three-judge panel is enough.

Indiana has asked the full court to hear the case. Wisconsin has made the same request.

Federal judges have struck down bans in both states. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago consolidated both states' appeals two weeks ago.

Indiana argues the issue is important enough to warrant a hearing by the full court. The gay couples' lawyers say four other appeals courts have handled the issue with three-judge panels.

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.