Gay Couples Wed In Utah After Judge Overturns Ban

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Gay couples in Utah have been cheering a federal judge's decision striking down the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

Cheers erupted as the mayor of Salt Lake City led one of the state's first gay wedding ceremonies Friday.

U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby ruled that the state failed to show that allowing same-sex marriages would affect opposite-sex marriages.

But the state is appealing the ruling and has requested an emergency stay that would stop marriage licenses from being issued to same-sex couples.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert says he's disappointed in the ruling and accused Shelby of being an "activist" judge who is "attempting to override the will of the people of Utah."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also says it stands by its support for "traditional marriage."