Attorneys for the state of Arizona are telling a judge that if he allows gays to marry, fewer straight couples will be willing to tie the knot.

The Christian-based Alliance Defending Freedom told federal Judge John Sedwick once the link between marriage and procreation is broken, heterosexual couples won’t feel the need to get married. But, attorney Jennifer Pizer of the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund said the experience in Massachusetts, where gay marriage has been legal for ten years, shows otherwise.

“There is zero indication that that is having any adverse effect whatsoever on whether heterosexual couples choose to marry or not marry, or how they raise their children, or otherwise participate in society," Pizer said.

The judge wrote in a ruling earlier this month that it was probable Arizona’s ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional, meaning the state would likely be forced to permit same-sex marriages.  He has not indicated when he’ll rule in the case.