Spain's Constitutional Court has
decided to postpone a ruling on the nation's 2005 gay marriage law.
The Madrid-based El Pais reported
that the 11-member court would likely rule on the law
Tuesday. The paper noted that a majority of justices favor upholding
the law.
Several sources are reporting that the
court has decided to hold off on a ruling until after the appointment
of four new justices in the coming days.
The conservative Popular Party (PP)
filed a legal challenge to the law soon after Socialists approved it
seven years ago. The PP returned to power in elections held late
last year.
Most analysts believe that the court's
majority will remain progressive even after the installation of the
four new judges.
Nearly 20,000 gay and lesbian couples
have married since such unions became legal in Spain.
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who helms
the Popular Party, has previously said he disagrees with the law,
saying he believes it is unconstitutional. The party's official
position is to “abide by” the court's decision.
Spain was the third country behind the
Netherlands and Belgium to legalize gay nuptials. Canada followed
suit 17 days later.
(Related: Promise
of marriage equality law uplifts Paris Gay Pride.)