AUSTIN, Texas -- A federal court is refusing to block a congressional redistricting map it drew up for Texas after minority groups challenged the original Republican-backed plan.

Texas Attorney General Gregg Abbott had asked the San Antonio-based court to stay the implementation of its map, which would ensure minorities made up the majority in three additional Texas congressional districts for the 2012 election.

The court turned down the Republican's request Friday evening. Abbot plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The court drew the maps after minority groups sued, claiming a redistricting plan devised by the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature didn't reflect growth in the state's Hispanic and black populations.

In a court filing earlier Friday, Abbot accused the court of interfering with the work of the Legislature and "undermining the democratic process."