High Court to Hear Gay Marriage Cases in April

The U.S. Supreme Court will tackle the issue of gay marriage this term.

At issue, can states refuse gay marriage and can states refuse to recognize gay marriages from other states?

The justices said Friday they will review an appellate ruling that upheld bans on same-sex unions in four states.

Kentucy, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee are among the 14 states where gay and lesbian couples are not allowed to marry.

Earlier this month Florida became the 36th state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to allow gay marriage.

In 2013, the high court struck down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA. In a 5-4 decision, the court ruled legally marriage gay couples are entitled to the same federal benefits as heterosexual couples.

The move stopped short making gay marriage legal in every state.

The nine justices are expected to hear oral arguments in April and deliver a ruling by June.