US: Same-sex marriages could begin to take place in Florida soon

After a federal appeals court refused to extend a stay preventing same-sex couples from marrying in Florida, the first weddings could take place from the new year.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday refused to extend a stay issued after US District Judge Robert Hinkle struck down the state’s same-sex marriage ban earlier this year.

Stating that it would still consider an appeal from the state, the court said on Wednesday that the expiration date of 5 January 2015 should be sufficient to consider the appeal.

Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi has asked for Hinkle’s ruling to be reversed.

There is a possibility that the ruling may be struck down, however same-sex marriage advocates in the state celebrated cautiously, saying it was time Florida allowed its gay and lesbian couples to marry.