CINCINNATI (AP): After a series of developments on gay marriage this week, there's growing anticipation for a ruling by the federal appeals court in Cincinnati.

A 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel heard arguments two months ago on challenges to gay marriage bans in four states. Its eventual ruling could help determine when or even whether the U.S. Supreme Court takes up the issue.

The high court Monday declined to hear appeals from five states seeking to prohibit gay and lesbian unions, and the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday invalidated bans in Idaho and Nevada. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy on Wednesday temporarily blocked the 9th Circuit's ruling.

There's been no indication of a timetable for 6th Circuit action on Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee cases.