BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho residents planning to gather at
courthouses across the state to celebrate same-sex marriages saw their
plans put on hold Thursday by a federal appeals court.
Idaho’s gay
marriage ban was overturned Tuesday when U.S. District Judge Candy Dale
said the law unconstitutionally denied gay and lesbian residents their
fundamental right to marry. Dale said Idaho must begin issuing marriage
licenses to same-sex couples starting Friday morning.
But a
three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a
temporary stay while it considers whether a longer stay is needed. Gov.
C.L. "Butch" Otter and Attorney General Lawrence Wasden both asked that
Dale’s ruling be placed on hold while they appeal.
The appellate
court ruling might put a halt to plans for a "Party for Marriage
Equality" scheduled for Friday morning at the Ada County Courthouse. Gay
rights advocates were arranging the event.
Several Idaho
residents who are ordained had offered to officiate weddings for free,
and some photographers had offered free wedding photos to same-sex
couples. Other residents pledged on social media sites to cover the $30
marriage license fee for gay and lesbian couples.
Dale’s ruling
ending the ban came in response to a lawsuit against the governor and
Ada County Clerk Chris Rich brought by four same-sex couples. The judge
said the ban unconstitutionally denies gay and lesbian couples their
fundamental right to marry, and wrongly stigmatizes their families.
In a written statement, Otter said he appreciated the temporary stay, which he said will help avoid chaos
and uncertainty.
"Meanwhile, I am proceeding with an aggressive challenge in the appellate court," Otter said.

So far, gay marriage is legal in 17 states and the District of Columbia.