Idaho Couples Ask Court Not to Stop Gay Marriages

The four couples who sued to get Idaho's ban on gay marriage overturned are now asking a federal appeals court to clear the way for same-sex weddings to begin.

State officials have asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to temporarily stop a judge's order allowing Idaho same-sex couples to wed starting Friday morning.

Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and Attorney General Lawrence Wasden say they need time to appeal and that the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to take up the matter.

Deborah Ferguson, the couples' attorney, on Thursday filed her opposition to their proposed stay. The couples contend there's no reason to put same-sex marriages on hold. They say a delay would irreparably harm Idaho couples and families.