A Florida federal judge will not lift a stay of his ruling in a lawsuit challenging the state's ban on same-sex marriage, meaning state officials can continue to pursue an appeal.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle in Tallahassee said in an order Wednesday that the stay would remain in effect through Jan. 5. Like numerous other judges around the country, Hinkle in August ruled the Florida gay marriage ban unconstitutional. But he stayed the effect of his decision.
Attorney General Pam Bondi is seeking review of the decision by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Gay marriage proponents had asked Hinkle to lift the stay, which would have allowed gay marriages to begin.
Bondi is also appealing decisions by Florida state judges declaring the same-sex ban unconstitutional.