Gay marriages may resume in California next week, judge rules

A federal judge in San Francisco ruled on Thursday that same-sex marriages in California may resume as soon as Wednesday, but gave opponents until then to seek an injunction from a higher court, according to The Independent.

US District Judge Vaughn R. Walker struck down last week California's voter-approved ban on same-sex unions, calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional. But he delayed implementation of his ruling after opponents asked for a stay while the case is being appealed.

Walker denied their request on Thursday, but he offered a six-day delay. That gave hope to opponents who have brought appealed the case before the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

"I'm happy that the judge issued a temporary stay until next week," said Brian Raum, senior counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian legal aid group that participated in the case. "That gives us the window we need to seek a more permanent stay as it goes before the 9th Circuit."

Gay rights groups hailed Walker's decision as a victory, although it disappointed gay couples around the state who had lined up at city halls in hopes of getting married Thursday.