Court Takes Up Gay Marriage Appeals from 4 States

A federal appeals court in Cincinnati will hear arguments from four states on gay marriage Wednesday.

The Michigan and Kentucky cases stem from rulings striking down their states' gay marriage bans. The Ohio argument deals only with recognizing out-of-state gay marriages. The Tennessee case focuses solely on three same-sex couples.

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr in Cincinnati is asking Roman Catholics there to pray for the three-judge panel to "act wisely" and uphold traditional marriage. He said traditional marriage is "the union of one man and woman for life."  His archdiocese includes nearly half a million Catholics.

Meanwhile, priests in the Episcopal diocese of Pittsburgh may now perform same-sex weddings.

Bishop Dorsey McConnell has informed his clergy they may issue gay marriage certificates if they choose, saying they have the option to perform them if their conscience dictates.

But The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports a local gay activist group called Integrity Pittsburgh is not satisfied. One leader in that group wants all Episcopal clergy to be willing to perform gay marriages.

Two years ago the Episcopal Church voted to allow the blessing of same-sex couples. But local bishops have to approve it before same-sex marriages can occur in each diocese.