A federal judge in Hawaii will hear arguments today on whether Gov. Neil Abercrombie should remain as a defendant in a lawsuit by two women who claim they’re being denied the right to marry.

Hawaii Family Forum is arguing that the governor should be dismissed as a defendant because he’s not in charge of marriage licenses. A judge previously ruled the Christian organization can intervene. 

Abercrombie has told the court Hawaii’s marriage law denies federal constitutional rights to same-sex couples who want to marry.  

A judge during today’s hearing will also hear arguments on whether the case should be dismissed. 

Natasha Jackson and Janin Kleid want to be married and not simply enter into a civil union. They say they need to be married in order to get certain federal benefits.