A judge on Wednesday said he wants a federal lawsuit challenging California’s same-sex marriage ban to go to trial on Jan. 11, proceedings that will showcase expert witnesses on topics ranging from parenting to the relative political influence of gays. In setting the hastened timetable, U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker called the case “a matter of huge importance for the people of this state” and indicated he would not tolerate legal maneuvers that could delay its resolution. Walker ordered lawyers for the two unmarried same-sex couples who are serving as plaintiffs in the lawsuit and for the gay marriage ban’s sponsors to immediately start interviewing each other’s potential witnesses and exchanging evidence.

Read the full story from the Associated Press.