Judge Delays Same-Sex Marriage In Alabama For 2 Weeks

A federal judge in Alabama recently put a two-week hold on same-sex marriages in the southern state after overturning the state ban on same-sex unions.

U.S. District Court Judge Callie Granade wrote in her opinion that she was giving the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals two weeks to decide if they wanted to keep the stay on her ruling longer.

"As long as a stay is in place, same-sex couples and their families remain in a state of limbo with respect to adoption, child care and custody, medical decisions, employment and health benefits, future tax implications, inheritance and many other rights associated with marriage," Granade wrote.

Alabama's attorney general's office also filed an appeal immediately after Granade's ruling, saying that it would seek to overturn her ruling and keep the same-sex marriage ban in place in the southern state.

"My office has filed an appeal and a motion to stay the federal District Court's decision and we are preparing our case to defend Alabama's laws prohibiting same-sex marriage," Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange said in a statement.

 "Unfortunately, the District Court's ruling to strike down Alabama's marriage laws has created uncertainty and confusion among the public over the law. My office has moved quickly to bring the issue before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to ensure that Alabama's laws are defended. Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to address the issue of same-sex marriage in a few months," Strange added.

According to Reuters, Granade added in a statement over the weekend that she believes the state is unlikely to succeed in an appeal.