Louisiana judge hears arguments against gay marriage ban

A judge was scheduled to hear arguments Monday in a lawsuit over a proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriages in Louisiana. The state already has in place a law defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman, but supporters of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage say that law needs to be "protected." A group called Forum for Equality filed suit, arguing that the ban would violate the Louisiana constitution's guarantee of individuals' rights to enter into contracts and own property. Forum for Equality lawyers argue that the amendment would invalidate contracts set up by gay and lesbian partners to own houses together or share responsibility for children. On Friday civil district judge Christopher Bruno blocked the planned September 18 vote on the proposed amendment after hearing arguments in a nearly identical suit filed in New Orleans. However, Bruno suspended his order so that the state could appeal directly to the Louisiana supreme court. Bruno's temporary order struck down the balloting on the grounds that September 18 is not a statewide election date, which the constitution requires for such a vote. The judge scheduled a hearing for August 20 regarding the permanency of his order.