A federal judge in north Florida on Thursday struck down the state's gay marriage ban as unconstitutional, but stayed the ruling.
U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle of Florida's Northern District is the fifth judge in the state to rule against a same-sex marriage ban approved by voters in 2008.
The other rulings were also stayed pending appeals, meaning marriage licenses cannot be issued to same-sex couples in Florida.
"We now have five Florida judges from Key West to Tallahassee who have recognized and ruled correctly that this ban is unconstitutional. It is hurting our families and it's time for it to go," said Stratton Pollitzer, deputy director for Equality Florida, a gay rights advocacy organization.
Since July, four circuit court judges in south Florida have also ruled against the gay marriage ban.
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