Closing arguments set in Calif. gay marriage trial

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Closing arguments are scheduled Wednesday in a landmark lawsuit that challenges California's ban on gay marriage.

Two same-sex couples are suing to overturn Proposition 8, which voters passed in 2008. Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker is hearing the case in San Francisco.

It's the first federal trial to examine whether gay marriage bans violate civil rights. The case is expected to eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

Backers of Proposition 8 also want the state to stop recognizing 18,000 homosexual unions that were granted before the measure took effect. In a written filing Tuesday, sponsors of Proposition 8 asked Walker to rule that government agencies, courts and business no longer have to recognize gay couples as married.