Gay marriage still legal in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (AP):

A federal judge has allowed gay marriage in Utah to continue.

Judge Richard Shelby yesterday denied a request by the state that sought to halt gay marriage until the appeals process plays out.

The same judge overturned Utah's ban on same-sex marriage Friday, ruling it is unconstitutional.

Utah lawyers are expected to ask a higher court to put the process on hold.

The county clerk in Salt Lake City immediately began issuing licences Friday, and hundreds more gay couples were lined up Monday to get married.

The ruling drew attention given Utah's long-standing opposition to gay marriage and its position as headquarters for the Mormon church.

Lawyers for the state are waging a legal battle on several fronts as they seek to stop the same-sex weddings.