By Associated Press Reporter A federal judge in Kentucky struck down the state's ban on gay marriage on Tuesday, saying that it violated equality laws. Despite the ban being overturned, the ruling was temporarily put on hold, and it was not immediately clear when same-sex couples could be issued marriage licenses. U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn in Louisville concluded that the state's prohibition on same-sex couples being wed violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution by treating gay couples differently than straight couples. Campaign: Protesters for and against gay marriage gather at a rally, above. A Kentucky judge ruled on Tuesday that that state's ban on same-sex marriage violated equality laws
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Judge Heyburn says ban was unlawful because it treated gay and straight couples differently
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Governor Steve Beshear says state will fight court decision
Although the cases are unique, each deals with whether statewide gay marriage bans violate the @placeholder.