U.S. judge in W.Va. delays gay-marriage ruling

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — A federal judge in West Virginia has delayed ruling on a lawsuit challenging the state’s same-sex marriage ban.

U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers in Huntington says due to the “overlap of issues” presented in the West Virginia case and a similar one in Virginia, he put the case on hold this week pending a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

In August the Supreme Court delayed a decision by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, that struck down that state’s gay marriage ban.

A number of similar rulings around the country have been put on hold while appeals are pursued.

The West Virginia lawsuit was filed on behalf of three same-sex couples and the child of one couple.

The Supreme Court returns from recess in October.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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