Ark. Court Won't Delay Proceedings in Gay Marriage Case

The Arkansas Supreme Court has refused to delay proceedings in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the state's constitutional ban on gay marriage.

Earlier this year, Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel asked the court to put the case on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court rules in challenges involving other states. On Monday, the nation's highest court declined to consider appeals in those cases.

The Arkansas Supreme Court did not offer any comment in its one-sentence denial Thursday of McDaniel's request.

Twenty couples have asked the high court to uphold Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza's ruling striking down the state's ban on gay marriage. More than 500 gay couples received marriage licenses until the Arkansas Supreme Court put Piazza's ruling on hold, pending an appeal.

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