MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – A federal judge has put a temporary hold on her decision that overturned Alabama’s gay marriage ban, but indicated she will soon answer a key question: Must state probate judges issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples when the stay is lifted?
U.S. District Judge Callie V. S. Granade on Sunday refused the Alabama attorney general’s request to put her ruling on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court takes up the issue of gay marriage later this year. However, Granade did issue a 14-day stay to give the state time to ask the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for a lengthier delay.
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange called the delay a “step in the right direction” because it will allow the state time to prepare appellate arguments and perhaps settle questions about the effect of the ruling. Advocates of gay marriage rights expressed disappointment but were confident they would ultimately prevail.
“While we’re disappointed that committed, loving gay and lesbian couples in Alabama will not be able to marry (Monday), we’re hopeful the final legal barriers will be overcome quite soon,” Human Rights Campaign Alabama Director Ashley Jackson said.
Some hoping to get married swiftly expressed disappointment over the two-week hold.