Missouri Lawmakers May Defend Gay Marriage Ban

Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones says lawmakers may take matters into their own hands in an attempt to defend the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

Republican leaders in both the House and Senate have criticized Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster for announcing that he won't appeal a recent decision by a Jackson County judge.

Circuit Judge J. Dale Youngs ruled last week that Missouri must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. It was the first ruling to put a dent in Missouri's constitutional prohibition on gay marriage.

Jones says lawmakers are reviewing their legal options in light of Koster's decision not to appeal. He said one option could be for legislative leaders to try to intervene in the case and request an appeal.