Eight gay and lesbian couples are challenging Connecticut?s marriage law claiming it is unconstitutional. The couples presented their arguments before the state Supreme Court Monday. They say their constitutional rights have been violated by the state's refusal to grant them marriage licenses. Two years ago, Connecticut passed a civil union law granting same-sex couples the same rights and equality as married couples. However, the couples were denied marriage certificates when they went to local town clerk offices. Bennett Klein, the lawyer for the gay couples, says people don't understand a civil union like they understand marriage. ?These couples deserve the same respect and dignity as every other couple in Connecticut and deserve the same right to equality under the constitution,? Klein said. Gay marriage opponents say the issue should to be left in the people's hands and decided through the democratic process, not handed down by the court. It could be several months before the Supreme Court justices release a decision. For more on the same-sex marriage lawsuit, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and click on iO Extra.