DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A gay rights organization will file
legal arguments in a case that will decide whether the state's ban
on same-sex marriage is legal.

Lambda Legal is a New York-based group that has spearheaded a
same-sex marriage drive across the country. It plans to file the
arguments Friday in a lawsuit on behalf of six gay and lesbian
couples who were denied marriage licenses.

An initial lawsuit was filed in Polk County District Court in
2005, naming former Polk County recorder and registrar Timothy
Brien.

That lawsuit prompted a ruling last August by Judge Robert
Hanson, who said the state law allowing marriage only between a man
and a woman violates the constitutional rights of due process and
equal protection.

Polk County attorney's office officials have said lawmakers
should decide the issue.
     
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