US: Utah lawyers place same-sex marriage ban back in court

A federal judge on Monday is to consider a pending appeal from the state of Utah to block same-sex weddings just days after the state’s ban on equal marriage was overturned.

On Friday, same-sex couples in Utah began queuing to marry after a judge ruled that the state’s equal marriage ban was unconstitutional.

A county clerk in the city of Salt Lake City began issuing marriage licences just hours after Judge Robert Shelby made the ruling.

However, Associated Press reports that lawyers for the state have urged to put the ruling on hold as they attempt to appeal the decision.

Judge Shelby has been set to hold a hearing on the request Monday morning.

On Sunday, a federal appeals court rejected the state’s emergency request, saying they could not rule on a stay as Judge Shelby has not acted on the motion set before him.

Governor Gary Herbert expressed that he was “very disappointed an activist federal judge is attempting to override the will of the people of Utah”.

“I am working with my legal counsel and the acting attorney general to determine the best course to defend traditional marriage within the borders of Utah.”

The constitutional ban received 66% of the vote back in 2004.

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