A panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit denied a request to delay the implementation of a ruling striking down Virginia’s gay marriage ban.
This means that, unless the Supreme Court intervenes, same-sex couples may begin applying for marriage licenses and having their out-of-state marriages recognized in Virginia on August 20th.
Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk Michèle McQuigg had asked the court to stay the ruling while Supreme Court decided whether to review the case.
According to the Washington Post, the next step for opponents would be to ask the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit to step in. Defenders of the law can also ask the Supreme Court to stay the decision.
