Judge Strikes Colo. Gay Marriage Ban, Stays Ruling

A federal judge ruled that Colorado's voter-approved gay marriage ban is unconstitutional but put the ruling on hold to give the state a chance to appeal.

Judge Raymond P. Moore's decision is in response to a lawsuit by six gay couples who asked the state to no longer enforce the ban.

Shortly after Wednesday's ruling, Attorney General John Suthers filed an appeal to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

"(The law's status) will be decided by the Supreme Court's decision," Suthers, a Republican, said in a statement.

Despite the stay, some clerks have already started issuing marriage licenses to gay couples.

"We are very pleased with the ruling and will continue issuing licenses," Reuters quoted Boulder clerk Hillary Hall.

Moore said the U.S. Supreme Court might take up the constitutionality of gay marriage bans when their new term starts in October.

"There is a fuse that has been lit that is burning across federal courts, and all of the district courts that have looked at the issue seem to be pointing in a single direction," Moore said during the hearing.