First Responders Support Gay Marriage in Indiana

Dozens of Indiana firefighters, police officers and emergency medical workers say a federal appeals court should uphold same-sex marriage in Indiana and Wisconsin for the sake of the families of gay first responders.

A spokeswoman for gay marriage supporters said Monday that more than 100 first responders have signed a legal brief to be filed Tuesday with the 7th U.S. Court of Appeals. The court has scheduled an Aug. 26 hearing on an appeal of rulings that threw out same-sex marriage bans in Indiana and Wisconsin.

The first responders argue Indiana provides financial help and other resources to families of heterosexual colleagues who fall in the line of duty, but not to families of gay first responders.

The plaintiffs who challenged Indiana's gay marriage ban include firefighters and police officers.

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