The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in
Chicago on Tuesday morning lifted stays on rulings striking down gay
marriage bans in Indiana and Wisconsin, a day after the Supreme Court
rejected appeals in the cases.
The high court also refused to hear
appeals in cases challenging bans in Utah, Virginia and Oklahoma.
The decision not to hear the cases also affects 6 states under the
courts' jurisdiction.
Few counties in Indiana and Wisconsin
were issuing marriage licenses to gay couples on Monday, citing the
need to wait for official word from the appeals court.
The orders make marriage equality
official in Indiana and Wisconsin.
(Related: Gay
marriage foes outraged over Supreme Court decision.)