Idaho Governor Asks for Hearing on Gay Marriage

Idaho's governor is asking a federal magistrate judge for an emergency hearing so he can argue gay marriages need to be put on hold to give him time to appeal.

Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter told U.S. District Magistrate Judge Candy Dale that he wants a hearing before noon Wednesday.

Dale ruled Tuesday that Idaho's laws banning same-sex marriage unconstitutionally deny gay and lesbian coups their fundamental right to marry. She said the state must start issuing marriage licenses to gay couples Friday.

Gay marriage is legal in 17 states and the District of Columbia.

Two of the four couples who sued over Idaho's ban have said they intend to get marriage licenses Friday morning.