WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court’s order turning way appeals from five states seeking to prohibit same-sex marriage has triggered a series of moves in affected states to clear the way for gay and lesbian unions.
Without comment, the justices brought to an end delays in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin and effectively made gay marriage legal in 30 states.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker declared the fight against same-sex marriage “over” in his state. Walker says the federal appeals court ruling supporting gay marriage is now “the law of the land,” and the state will “go forward enacting it.”
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver has lifted its stay in gay marriage cases in Oklahoma and Utah, clearing the way for same-sex nuptials to begin in both states. Colorado’s attorney general says legal formalities are all that’s left and his office “will file motions to expedite” the process.
Virginia’s attorney general says marriage licenses could start to be issued to same-sex couples as early as this afternoon.
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148-v-32-(Mark Smith, AP White House correspondent)–In a victory for gay marriage proponents, the Supreme Court has rejected appeals from five states seeking to bar the practice. AP White House Correspondent Mark Smith reports. (6 Oct 2014)
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149-c-18-(Mark Smith, AP White House correspondent)-“and lesbian marriage”-AP White House Correspondent Mark Smith reports the Supreme Court’s ruling applies to five states right away — but has wider implications. (6 Oct 2014)
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150-c-22-(Mark Smith, AP White House correspondent)-“activists contend exists”-AP White House Correspondent Mark Smith reports the decision opens the way for more gay marriages, but stops short of setting a national precedent. (6 Oct 2014)
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APPHOTO UTRB103: Derek Kitchen carries Kody Partridge as they celebrate following a news conference Monday, Oct. 6, 2014, in Salt Lake City. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal from Utah and four other states that had sought to bar weddings between gay couples. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (6 Oct 2014)
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APPHOTO DCSA102: People wait to enter the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, Oct. 6, 2014, as it begins its new term. The justices cleared the way Monday for an immediate expansion of same-sex marriage by unexpectedly and tersely turning away appeals from five states seeking to prohibit gay and lesbian unions. The court’s order effectively makes gay marriage legal now in 30 states. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (6 Oct 2014)
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