The US Supreme Court will decide later this year on whether gay couples across the whole country can get married.

At the moment, same-sex marriage is banned in 14 states, while 36 states and the District of Columbia issue marriage licences to same-sex couples.

In April, judges will hear a combined case asking for bans in four of them to be overturned. A decision is expected by late June.

The court said it would hear cases concerning marriage restrictions in the states of Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.

The ruling will determine whether the remaining state bans will be struck down.

The court said it will decide two questions: Whether states must allows same-sex couples to marry, and whether states must recognise same-sex marriages that take place out of state.

It is reported that the administration of President Barack Obama will file court papers seeking to legalise gay marriage nationwide.

Mr Obama became the first sitting US president to support gay marriage back in 2012.

Ireland is due to hold same-sex marriage referendum in May of this year.

While Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he will take part in live debates ahead of the referendum.

Mr Kenny has said he will take part in one as part of the Yes campaign, and that he is personally in favour of a Yes vote.