Gay Marriage Showdown Looms in Colorado

The clock is ticking on a showdown between Colorado's Republican attorney general and a county clerk who has been issuing gay-marriage licenses.

Attorney General John Suthers told Boulder County Clerk Hillary Hall to stop issuing the licenses by noon Tuesday. Suthers says they should appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court to determine whether Hall has the authority to issue same-sex marriage licenses.

Colorado's constitution bans same-sex unions. But the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver ruled last week in a Utah case that states cannot ban marriages based on the genders of people participating. Hall responded by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

The 10th Circuit put its ruling on hold, however.

Six same-sex couples from Colorado plan to file a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging the court's stay.

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.