DENVER (AP) -- The state attorney general has asked the U.S. Supreme
Court to review a state high court ruling that blocks Colorado's
anti-gay rights amendment from taking effect.

   Attorney General Gale Norton said it's unlikely the federal justices
will act on the request soon because the court is in recess.

   The amendment would ban state and local laws prohibiting
discrimination based on sexual orientation. It also would strike down
gay-rights ordinances in Aspen, Boulder and Denver.

   A Denver District Court judge blocked the amendement in January from
taking effect, saying it violates the U.S. Constition's equal
protection clause. The state Supreme Court upheld that preliminary
injunction in July.

   A lawsuit challenging the amendment's constitutionality is to be
tried Oct. 12.

   The lawsuit was filed by nine individuals -- including tennis star
Martina Navratilova of Aspen -- and the cities whose local ordinances
would be voided by the initiative.