Judge Vaughn Walker today denied a motion to indefinitely stay his decision allowing gay people to marry in California, instead issuing a week-long stay which will allow the Ninth Circuit to rule on the issue. If the Ninth Circuit refuses to extend the stay, same sex couples will be able to marry starting next week.

Michael B. Keegan, President of People For the American Way, issued the following statement:

“California’s ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional and unjust, as Judge Walker’s detailed and well-reasoned opinion in Perry v. Schwarzenegger made clear, and there is absolutely no good reason to continue an unconstitutional injustice.

“We commend Judge Walker for refusing to grant a permanent stay on marriage for same sex couples. His decision today is an important statement of confidence in the strong case for marriage equality.  The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals should not only refuse to extend the stay, but find that Proposition 8’s backers lack the standing to pursue their appeal.

“I hope that by next week I will be able to send my heartfelt congratulations to thousands of couples in California who, after being denied their fundamental rights for too long, will finally be able to obtain the protections that only marriage can afford.”

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