On Tuesday the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago will hear arguments over Wisconsin and Indiana's bans on gay marriage.
In June U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb found Wisconsin's ban violated the U.S. Constitution, but later stayed that decision pending an appeal. In the eight days between her ruling and the stay, more than 500 same-sex couples were married. Their status is still in limbo. The American Civil Liberties Union has said it will sue to have those marriages recognized.
"This is an opportunity for judges to really push attorneys," Charley Jacobs said about Tuesday's oral arguments, who studies the courts at St. Norbert College in De Pere.
Gay marriage advocates have urged the attorney general's office to drop its appeal; the state has argued it's appealing to uphold Wisconsin's constitution.
"This wasn't just a simple piece of legislation," Jacobs said. "This is sort of the voice of the people making a point about how they want to organize marriage. I think that's one reason they want to pursue it and want to engage in the debate nationwide."
Any decision by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals is likely to be appealed.
It's anticipated the U.S. Supreme Court could take up the issue in its next session.
Action 2 News will have a crew in Chicago covering the hearing, so stay with us on-air and online for the latest updates.