11th Circuit denies stay in Fla. gay marriage cases

A three-judge panel of a federal appellate court has denied Florida’s request to keep its marriage law while two gay marriage cases are heard.

The Wednesday ruling by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals means that same-sex marriages can commence after Jan. 5 unless another judicial intervention occurs.

The 11th Circuit panel has agreed to “expedite” its hearing of the two Florida cases but has yet not set a court date.

Florida Attorney General Pamela Bondi had asked for the continuation of the appeal.

Ms. Bondi’s spokeswoman told The Associated Press Wednesday that the attorney general and other state officials are reviewing the decision. One option could be to ask the Supreme Court to extend the stay past Jan. 5 due to the pending appeals.

Alabama and Georgia also have gay marriage cases in the courts, and 11th Circuit rulings affect them. Calls for comment from Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange and Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens were not immediately returned Wednesday.

Evan Wolfson, president of Freedom to Marry, praised the 11th Circuit’s decision, saying it is wrong to delay same-sex marriages in Florida any longer.

“As the first joyful weddings take place, Floridians will see firsthand that the freedom to marry helps families and communities, and harms no one,” said Mr. Wolfson, adding he and his allies “hope the court soon hands down a final ruling that ensures that all committed couples in the Sunshine State, as well as Georgia and Alabama, finally have the freedom to marry the person they love.”

The 11th Circuit order was issued by Judges Frank M. Hull, Charles R. Wilson and Adalberto Jordan.