Judge Says It's 'Difficult' to Stop Wisconsin Gay Marriages

The federal judge who is putting a stop to gay marriages in Wisconsin says it was a difficult decision.

U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb on Friday put the marriages on hold after striking down the law and ordering clerks not to deny issuing the licenses.

But she says in her ruling that putting it on hold is difficult "After seeing the expressions of joy on the faces of so many newly wedded couples."

Crabb says because the U.S. Supreme Court had put a similar ruling out of Utah on hold, she had to do that in Wisconsin.

Crabb says it is understandable that same-sex couples don't want to wait any longer than they have to in order "to receive equal treatment under the law."

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.