ALASKA: Marriage Case Set For October

Via the Associated Press:

Arguments are scheduled for October in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Alaska's ban on same-sex marriage. Five same-sex couples, four married outside of Alaska and one unmarried couple, sued to overturn the ban in May. Alaska voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1998 defining marriage as between one man and one woman. The state, in its response, said Alaska isn't required to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. State attorneys also argue that Alaska, as a sovereign state, has the right to define and regulate marriage. The case is being heard by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Burgess.

(Tipped by JMG reader Luis)