Ohio Appeals Order on Out-of-State Gay Marriages

Ohio officials have appealed a federal judge's order to recognize the marriages of gay couples who wed in other states.

The state attorney general's office filed a notice of appeal with the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati on Friday. The state is appealing Judge Timothy Black's ruling ordering it to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

Most of the judge's April 14 ruling was put on hold pending the anticipated appeal.

The judge ruled Ohio's refusal to recognize gay marriage is a violation of constitutional rights and "unenforceable in all circumstances."

Republican Attorney General Mike DeWine has said marriage is between a man and a woman and he will continue defending Ohio's voter-approved gay marriage ban.

Gay marriage is legal in 17 states and Washington, D.C.