The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in
Cincinnati on Monday announced it would hear arguments in cases
challenging gay marriage bans in the four states in its geographic
area on August 6.
The court said in its order that the
same three-judge panel will hear all four cases, SCOTUS
blog reported.
Arguments will be limited to 30 minutes
for each side in cases challenging bans in Michigan and Ohio. Less
time, 15 minutes per side, will be allowed in cases challenging bans
in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Of the four cases, only the one
challenging Michigan's ban asks the court to strike down the state's
entire ban and allow gay couples to marry. The other three cases
involve recognition of the out-of-state marriages of gay couples.
Lawsuits challenging all 31 state bans
followed last year's U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a key
provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which led to federal
recognition of the marriages of gay couples. Cases challenging bans
in Virginia (Fourth Circuit), Utah and Oklahoma (both in the Tenth
Circuit) have been heard by federal appellate court judges.