Appeal Court Asked to Unblock Florida Gay Marriage

Attorneys for a Florida Keys gay couple have turned to a state appeals court to lift a judge's order blocking them from getting married.

The Miami-based 3rd District Court of Appeal was asked Wednesday to overturn a Monroe County judge's decision earlier this week preventing a wedding for Aaron Huntsman and William Lee Jones and other gay couples.

Circuit Judge Luis Garcia last week ruled that Florida's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and that marriage licenses could be issued to gays in Monroe County this week.

Attorney General Pam Bondi immediately filed notice of appeal, triggering an automatic stay that prevents any gay marriages. Garcia on Monday declined to lift the stay.

Voters added the same-sex marriage ban to Florida's constitution is 2008.

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.