A federal judge ruled on Monday that gay marriages in Utah can proceed, after halting an appeal from the state that aimed to stop same-sex couples from receiving legal union certificates.
Judge Richard Shelby struck down the Utah's legislation against gay marriage last week, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to due process and equal protection under the 14th Amendment.
USA Today reported legislators in Salt Lake City are slated to take a hold request to higher courts.
"We're thrilled that this decision continues the process of decisions across the country that support the right of gay and lesbian couples to get married and have their love and families protected equally under the law," executive director of Marriage Equality, a New York-based activist group, Brian Silva told USA Today.
After Judge Shelby ruled the anti-gay law unconstitutional, hundreds of LGBT couples lined up to be married. Hundreds more joined the lengthy queue on Monday.
The lawsuit was originally brought forward by three different gay and lesbian couples living the state.
Salt Lake City lawyers testified that the law barring same-sex unions protected "responsible procreation" and the "optimal mode of child-rearing."
But the judge said on Friday that this argument didn't fully demonstrate to the court that allowing same-sex couples to get legally married would change opposite-sex marriages in any way. Shelby also said in his ruling that Utah's fears and speculations concerning homosexuality were unfounded.
Utah is the home of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has made the state one of the front-runners against gay marriage.
