Tennessee Guv Appeals Same-Sex Marriage Order

Julia Tate, left, kisses her wife, Lisa McMillin, as they read results of U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding gay rights, Wednesday, June 26, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. The justices issued two 5-4 rulings in their ... Julia Tate, left, kisses her wife, Lisa McMillin, as they read results of U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding gay rights, Wednesday, June 26, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. The justices issued two 5-4 rulings in their final session of the term. One decision wiped away part of a federal anti-gay marriage law that has kept legally married same-sex couples from receiving tax, health and pension benefits. The other was a technical legal ruling that said nothing at all about same-sex marriage, but left in place a trial court's declaration that California's Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. McMillin holds the couple's son, Luke. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) MORE LESS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s governor is asking a federal judge to put her ruling requiring the state to recognize the marriages of three same-sex couples on hold while a higher court weighs in on the case.

Gov. Bill Haslam and state Attorney General Robert Cooper on Tuesday filed a motion saying overturning the law without an appeals court reviewing the case “frustrates the will of the people of Tennessee.” Haslam and Cooper say leaving the status quo in place pending an appeals court decision would not harm the three couples who sued for recognition.

U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger on Friday ordered the state to recognize the unions of the couples, who were married in other states.

Trauger made clear that her order is temporary and applies only to the three couples.

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