Utah Couples Ask Supreme Court to Hear Appeal

SALT LAKE CITY -- Even though they won at the appellate court, attorneys for three Utah gay and lesbian couples plan to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to take Utah's appeal of a favorable gay marriage ruling.

National Council for Lesbian Rights executive director Kate Kendell said Thursday that it is vital that the justices weigh in about whether state same-sex marriage bans violate the Constitution to settle the matter.

The group is representing the couples alongside private attorneys in Utah. Kendell says it's rare, but not unheard of, for winning parties to ask the Supreme Court to hear an appeal.

Utah filed its request this week for the justices to hear an appeal or a ruling from a federal appeals court ruled states cannot deprive gay and lesbian couples of the right to marry.

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