Two federal appeals courts on Monday
lifted stays in rulings striking down gay marriage bans in Virginia,
Oklahoma and Utah after the Supreme
Court rejected appeals in the cases.
Justices also refused to hear appeals
from cases challenging bans in Indiana and Wisconsin.
The Tenth and Fourth Circuit Courts of
Appeals issued mandates shortly after the high court's decision was
made public.
“On this date, the United States
Supreme Court denied certiorari review in this matter,” the
order lifting Utah's stay states. “Consequently, the stay of
the mandate directed in our decision dated June 25, 2014 is lifted,
and the mandate shall issue forthwith.”
County clerks are expected to begin
issuing marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples who wish to
marry in those states.