Lawsuit Challenging Idaho’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban Goes to Court

The suit names Idaho's Governor, and legislature and the state.

Four same-sex couples have sued Gov. Butch Otter, and the state over Idaho's ban on same-sex marriage.  They are also challenging Idaho laws that require same-sex partners who were married in other states (such as Washington) to file their taxes separately if they live in Idaho.  They can't file jointly or married.

The four female couples filed last November in federal court, and are being supported by the National Center for Lesbian Rights.   Gov. Otter has said in the past that it's not up to the federal government, that states decide their own laws in these matters.

He has also argued in the past that the laws are necessary for the state to provide "stable, husband-wife unions for the benefit of their children."

Oral arguments are set to begin today at the Federal Courthouse in Boise.