California Gay Marriage Ban Stands During Appeal

SAN FRANCISCO  - A U.S. appeals court Wednesday left in place a ban on gay marriage in California, denying requests to allow same-sex weddings during a lengthy appeals process.

A federal district court judge last year struck down the ban on the basis that it violated the U.S. constitution, but his decision is on hold pending the appeal.

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is waiting for California's supreme court to issue guidance on whether a group supporting the ban had the right to make the appeal.

California's decision will add a year or so to the federal appeal process.