11th Circuit Denies Ala. Marriage Stay, State Officials to Ask High Court

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has denied requests from Alabama officials to stay the ruling on same-sex marriages. Unless further action is taken, same-sex marriages can start in Alabama on Monday February 9.

"The Attorney General of the State of Alabama's motions for a stay pending appeal are DENIED." read the order issued by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued Tuesday.

Associated Press reports that Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to keep a hold on a district judge's decision overturning the state's ban on gay marriage. The filing came after the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to issue a stay

Equality on Trial notes that state officials can ask the U.S. Supreme Court to halt marriages. That request would go first to Justice Clarence Thomas, who could rule on it himself or refer it to the Court.

Thomas previously denied a request for a similar stay in Florida.

If U.S. Supreme Court denies the stay, Alabama would become the 37th state to allow same-sex marriage.

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.