US: Federal judge to consider putting same-sex marriage on hold in Wisconsin

A federal judge has scheduled a hearing following the Attorney General of Wisconsin’s request to put on hold same-sex marriage in the state.

US District Judge Barbara Crabb struck down the state’s same-sex marriage ban on Friday, and did not stay her own ruling, allowing same-sex couples to marry immediately.

However, Republican Attorney General J B Van Hollen asked Judge Crabb to stay her own ruling to stop gay and lesbian couples from marrying in the state.

Responding to the emergency request, Judge Crabb has scheduled a 1pm hearing on Monday.

While she did not stay the ruling, Judge Crabb did not issue specific instructions, meaning some county clerks were unsure of how to proceed.

Van Hollen is also expected to seek an emergency stay of the ruling in a federal appeals court.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which filed the lawsuit on behalf of eight couples, has urged same-sex couples to continue marrying, despite fears that a marriage ban could be put back in place.

• Nov 29 2023

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