MARYCLAIRE DALE
Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Gay rights activists should know within hours whether Pennsylvania’s ban on same-sex marriage will be overturned.

A federal judge in Harrisburg is expected to rule Tuesday on a challenge to the state’s 1996 ban.

The plaintiffs include same-sex couples, their children and others who say the marriage ban deprives them of legal and tax benefits.

Gov. Tom Corbett’s office has been defending the law.

A court website says U.S. District Judge John Jones will issue his ruling this afternoon.

He could put his order on hold to give time for the losing side to appeal.

State marriage bans have been falling around the country since the Supreme Court’s “Windsor” decision last year. The landmark ruling struck down part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

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