Judge Strikes Down Wyoming Gay Marriage Ban

Decision stayed until next week unless state declines to appeal.

U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl has struck down the state law banning gay marriage in Wyoming, but he put his ruling on hold until 5 p.m. Thursday or until all defendants have filed a notice that they will not appeal the order, whichever comes first.

Skavdahl's order comes after a Thursday morning hearing in federal court in Casper. Plaintiffs in the case, called Guzzo v. Mead, asked Skavdahl to agree with the Denver-based 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which determined marriage is a fundamental right.