Utah to appeal ruling to recognize gay marriages

Salt Lake City (AP) — Utah is appealing a federal judge's ruling that officials must recognize gay marriages that took place in the state after a same-sex marriage ban was overturned.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and Attorney General Sean Reyes filed an appeal Wednesday, sending the case to the Denver-based 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball in May ordered the state to recognize the marriages but delayed implementation of his ruling to give Utah time to appeal.

The appeal prolongs the legal limbo for the 1,000-plus gay and lesbian couples who married in the state in late December and early January.

Utah is also awaiting a ruling from the Denver appellate court regarding its same-sex marriage ban.

The court has heard arguments and could issue a decision at any time.

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The Gayly – June 5, 2014 @ 9:10am