AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The first full week of 2015 is a big one for Texas in front of a federal appeals court.

Both the state ban on gay marriage and tough new Texas abortion restrictions are being tackled this week by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Oral arguments in both cases follow rulings last year that dealt Republican leaders setbacks to two signature conservative laws.

Up first are abortion providers trying to stay open following a reprieve from the U.S. Supreme Court. They will argue Wednesday that abortion clinics shouldn't have to meet hospital-level operating standards.

On Friday, the New Orleans court will hear the state defend a ban on same-sex marriage. A San Antonio federal judge has ruled the law unconstitutional but let the ban remain in effect pending appeal.