Michigan Gay Marriage Arguments This Week in Federal Court

The city where same-sex marriage will be argued this week before federal appeals judges has been the scene before of heated debate over gay rights.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear challenges Wednesday in downtown Cincinnati about the constitutionality of marriage bans in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee. The cases are expected to attract packed courtrooms, with demonstrations and rallies also planned by groups on both sides of the issue.

To Chris Seelbach, the legal challenges to Ohio's statewide ban mark another milestone for Cincinnati. He campaigned in 2004 for the successful effort to repeal a city measure that prohibited the protection of people from discrimination in housing, employment and other matters based on sexual orientation. In 2011, he was elected the city's first openly gay councilman.

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