Arkansas AG asks for new arguments in marriage case

Little Rock, Ark. (AP) — Attorney General Leslie Rutledge asked Arkansas' highest court on Friday to hold new oral arguments in the lawsuit over the state's gay marriage ban because two new justices weren't at a hearing on the case last year.

Rutledge, a Republican who was sworn in last week, noted that two new justices have joined the state Supreme Court since it heard oral arguments in November. Justices have yet to rule in the state's appeal of a Pulaski County judge's decision striking down the ban as unconstitutional.

Rutledge also said in her motion to the court that Chief Justice Jim Hannah was unable to attend the hearing due to a national meeting of chief justices.

"I believe the court would benefit greatly from a second oral argument," Rutledge said in a statement issued by her office. "The people of Arkansas should know that as Attorney General, I will vigorously defend any challenge against Arkansas's Constitution."

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza in May struck down a voter-approved 2004 constitutional amendment and earlier state law defining marriage as between a man and a woman. More than 500 gay couples were issued marriage licenses following his decision before justices suspended the ruling.

The state is also appealing a federal judge's ruling striking down the ban. That decision is also on hold pending the appeal.

The U.S. Supreme Court last week announced it would hear arguments on whether same-sex couples have the right to marry in every state. The cases will be argued in April, and a decision is expected by late June.

An attorney for the couples challenging Arkansas' ban said she planned to oppose Rutledge's motion. She said a new hearing wasn't necessary because both sides have made their case in filings before the court.

"I don't mind doing another oral argument, but my problem is my clients are being damaged every single day that this delay goes on and on and on," Cheryl Maples said.

Judges across the country have ruled against bans similar to Arkansas' since the U.S. Supreme Court struck part of a federal anti-gay marriage law in June 2013. Gay marriage is legal in more than half of the U.S.

Rutledge, who was elected in November, opposes gay marriage and has vowed to defend Arkansas' ban. Her Democratic predecessor, former Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, last year announced he supported same-sex marriage but would defend the ban in court.

By Andrew DeMillo, Associated Press. Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – January 23, 2015 @ 4:05pm.