Gay couples in the US are to learn whether they will have the right to marry in New Jersey.
The US state of New Jersey's Supreme Court has ruled that gay couples are entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples.
The state's Supreme Court is to release a decision in a case brought by seven gay couples, who claim the state constitution entitles them to marry.
But the court say it is for the legislature to decide whether the state will honour gay marriage or some other form of civil union.
It follows a case brought by seven gay couples, who claimed that the state's constitution entitled them to marry.
Currently, only Massachusetts allows same-sex marriages.
Currently, only Massachusetts allows same-sex marriages.
New Jersey is one of only five US states without either a law or a state constitutional amendment blocking same-sex marriage.
New Jersey is one of only five US states without either a law or a state constitutional amendment blocking same-sex marriage.
Advocates on both sides believe New Jersey is more likely than other states to allow gay people to wed.
New Jersey authorised domestic partnerships two years ago, but advocates of same-sex marriage are seeking additional legal protections.
In July, the top court in Washington state upheld a gay marriage ban.
The decision followed a string of setbacks for same-sex marriage advocates in other parts of the US, including in several states where votes were held on amending bans on same-sex unions.
Cases similar to that in New Jersey are pending in California, Connecticut, Iowa and Maryland.
Legal battle
Lawyers for the seven couples have asked the court to overturn an appeals court ruling that the New Jersey Legislature must decide whether gay marriage should be allowed.
The New Jersey Attorney General's office has argued that the Legislature, not the state Supreme Court, should consider changes to the institution of marriage.
The original case was brought in 2002. The seven couples lost at the trial level and in intermediate appeals courts.
In its decision in June 2005, a panel of the Appellate Division said that "a time may come when our society accepts the view that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry", but that it was up to the Legislature to make the decision.
