ACLU to sue Utah for not recognizing gay marriages

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the state of Utah over its decision to stop granting new benefits to hundreds of newly married same-sex couples. The organization plans to file a lawsuit Tuesday against Utah officials on behalf of four gay and lesbian couples. A federal judge in Utah overturned the state's same-sex marriage ban Dec. 20. Hundreds of gay couples then married, until the U.S. Supreme Court halted the weddings Jan. 6. After the Supreme Court issued the stay, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert told state agencies to hold off on moving forward with any new benefits for the couples until the courts resolve the issue. Utah ACLU legal director John Mejia says the marriages are valid no matter what a federal appeals court rules. ©2014 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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