Gay Couples Win, But Still Lose, After Kentucky Judge's Order

MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — Two same-sex couples in a small eastern Kentucky county got everything they wanted in a ruling from a federal judge Monday, except for one sentence.

U.S. District Judge David Bunning denied Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis' request to delay his ruling from last week ordering her to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. That ruling followed the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in June legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. But Bunning then delayed his own decision, effectively granting Davis' request while also denying it.

Attorneys on both sides disagreed about the implications. Dan Canon, representing the gay couples, said Davis remains under the judge's order. But Mat Staver, who represents Davis and is the founder of Florida-based Liberty Counsel, said the convoluted order essentially grants her request for more time.

Davis hasn't said how she would react should she lose her appeal.

(Story by: Adam Beam, The Associated Press)