MINNEAPOLIS - A Hennepin County lawsuit seeking to overturn the ban on gay marriage is back in court just two months before voters will determine the definition of marriage in Minnesota.
On Friday, lawyers from both sides of the case appeared in court on a motion over who should pay for the defense -- the county or the state.
Three gay couples filed the lawsuit in 2010, and those supporting the marriage amendment say it's exactly why they feel Minnesota needs the chance to vote.
"What's interesting is that this court case, if it were successful, would actually end that conversation for Minnesotans. They would have no say. The definition of marriage would be decided by judges and attorneys in a courtroom somewhere," said Autumn Luva, a spokesperson for Minnesota for Marriage.
Meantime, those fighting the amendment suggest the exact opposite is true, saying approving the measure would prohibit any ongoing dialogue.
"This amendment would put a hard stop to that conversation and would forever shut down the conversation in our state about that topic and would really tie the hands of the future generations to participate in that conversation as well," said Kate Brickman, spokesperson for Minnesotans United for All Families.
Judge Mary Dufresne has 90 days to decide on the motion presented Friday.
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