Lawyers for the state of Minnesota and Hennepin County are quarreling in court over which should defend the state's ban on gay marriage.

At issue at a Hennepin County District Court hearing Friday was a lawsuit by three gay couples seeking to overturn the ban. The defendant is the Hennepin County official who issues marriage licenses, but the state and county each think the other should mount his defense and pay court costs.

A state lawyer says marriage licenses are a county function. An assistant Hennepin County attorney says it's a state law being enforced and thus the state's responsibility to enforce.

Judge Mary Dufresne has 90 days to decide. The lawsuit is moving ahead even as a statewide vote approaches to put the gay marriage ban in the constitution. -- AP