LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas officials are asking a federal judge to suspend a case challenging the state's gay marriage ban while a similar suit is pending before the nation's highest court.
The attorney general's office on Wednesday asked U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker to stay the proceedings in the lawsuit filed by two same-sex couples challenging the state's gay marriage ban. The filing notes that Utah has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold its gay marriage ban, which was struck down by a federal appeals panel in June.
Arkansas is also defending its ban before the state Supreme Court. A Pulaski County judge struck down the state ban earlier this year, which led to more than 500 same-sex couples being married. Justices suspended his decision and are considering the state's appeal.
