The Minnesota Family Council wanted to be named as a defendant in a court challenge to Minnesota’s marriage laws, but a judge last week denied their petition. Three same-sex couples filed suit against Hennepin County and the state of Minnesota earlier this year to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

The Family Council argued that it should be a part of the case because their main mission is opposing same-sex marriage, but the court said that wasn’t sufficient.

“The Court certainly understands that the Council feels strongly about the social issue of same-sex marriage,” wrote Minnesota Fourth District Court Judge Mary S. DuFrense “Strong feelings, however, do not establish a legal interest in a lawsuit.”

TheColu.mn’s James Sanna reported last month that if the Family Council was allowed to join the defense, it could bankrupt the same-sex couples who are the plaintiffs.

The full story can be read at the Minnesota Independent.