Federal Judge Could Rule on Legality of Michigan Gay Marriage Ban Soon

Ban has been part of the state constitution for nine years

(Reuters) - A federal judge may rule as soon as Wednesday on the legality of a gay marriage ban that Michigan voters placed in their state constitution nine years ago.

April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, a lesbian couple from suburban Detroit, are challenging the state ban on same-sex marriage and a law that prevents single people from jointly adopting children in Michigan.

DeBoer has adopted a girl and Rowse two boys, and the couple has lived together for more than six years. Seen by the state as single people living together, however, they are not allowed to adopt each other's children jointly.