Judge to Allow D.C. Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages to Go Ahead

From Andy at Towleroad:

A request for a stay preventing the D.C. Council's decision to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere was denied by a Superior Court judge on Tuesday:

Dc "Judge Judith E. Retchin ruled that she would not a grant a stay preventing the law from taking effect Monday, as requested by opponents. However, the effective date is likely to be delayed by the need for congressional approval. Attorneys for the group said they needed more time to research and argue their position before the law takes effect. Opponents, led by Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, and seven other D.C. voters want a referendum on the issue, but the D.C. elections board said that would be illegal under the District's Human Rights Act. Although Retchin decided against delaying the law's enactment, she said opponents could seek to amend the law after the marriage provision takes effect."

Jackson and his homophobic law firm, the Alliance Defense Fund, have announced they plan to file an appeal to have the law overturned.