A federal judge is giving Kentucky more time to officially recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states and countries.The ruling Wednesday comes just two days before gay couples would have been allowed to change their names on official identifications and documents and obtain the benefits of any married couple in Kentucky.U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn in a four-page order said it is best that momentous changes in the law happen after full review, rather than running the risk of premature implementation or confusing the issues. Find past coverage of the lawsuit here.Heyburn's order is similar to orders granting same-sex marriage recognition rights but putting implementation on hold in Texas, Utah, Virginia and other states.Governor Steve Beshear has hired outside counsel to appeal Heyburn’s earlier ruling that Kentucky’s law is unconstitutional.
