Utah Won't Recognize Gay Marriages

Utah will not recognize the nearly 1,000 gay marriages performed in the state.

On Wednesday, the governor instructed state agencies to freeze all actions regarding same-sex marriages until a federal appeals court rules on the issue.

This move comes after Monday's U.S. Supreme Court decision to halt gay weddings until the state's appeal is heard.

The judge ruled Dec. 20 that Utah's ban on same-sex marriage violates gay and lesbian couples' constitutional rights. That decision led to more than 900 gay marriages in the state.

The state filed an emergency appeal, and the high court ruled that gay marriages cannot take place during the appeals process.

The Supreme Court's ruling will remain in effect until it decides whether to uphold the federal judge's decision. The court's order will not affect same-sex marriages already performed.