The Thomas More Society is defending Illinois' marriage law in court after state officials refused to do so:

"Opponents of a lawsuit challenging Illinois' gay marriage ban say the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the federal Defense of Marriage Act won't change their legal strategy.

The Thomas More Society represents Illinois county clerks defending the state law that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. The ACLU and a gay-rights group challenged the law last summer on behalf of more than two dozen couples.

Thomas More attorney Paul Linton says the court's decision to strike down the federal law still doesn't offer a definitive ruling on the constitutionality of gay marriages in individual states.

The ruling will allow gay Illinois couples with marriage licenses from other states to receive federal benefits. Linton says it's premature to say whether the society will try to prevent that. (AP)

Efforts to redefine marriage via the legislature have been defeated so far.