Arkansas high court creates separate gay marriage case

Little Rock, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Supreme Court has decided a separate case is needed before they can determine the legality of same-sex marriage — a move that will likely push the consideration until after the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the same topic.

The state Supreme Court on Thursday ruled a new case is needed to decide whether a justice sworn in in January should help decide whether gay marriage is legal in Arkansas. Justices originally heard oral arguments in November.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in April and have a decision by late June.

An attorney for same-sex couples says the delay denies her clients access to health care and other benefits.

A spokesman for the Arkansas attorney general didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

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The Gayly – April 2, 2015 @ 11:40am.