Second Judge Delays Gay Marriage Ruling

SAN FRANCISCO — A judge said San Francisco (search) appears to be violating the law by issuing marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples, but he declined Tuesday to order an immediate halt to the weddings.

A conservative group had asked Judge James Warren to immediately stop the weddings and void the 2,464 same-sex marriages performed in the city since Thursday. Instead, Warren issued a nonbinding order urging the city to halt the weddings, and told city lawyers to return March 29 to explain their legal position.

"We are extremely happy and gratified that a stay was not issued," City Attorney Dennis Herrerra said