RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ The clock is ticking on whether the U.S. Supreme Court will delay a ruling striking down Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban. Attorneys representing a county clerk in Virginia have asked the nation’s highest court to stay the decision by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals while it’s appealed. The plaintiffs and others Monday asked that the ruling issued in late July not be delayed and that the case be reviewed as quickly as possible. Virginia is supporting a delay to minimize disruptions while the issue is resolved. Unless the court intervenes, same-sex marriages could begin Thursday. The state also would need to start recognizing out-of-state gay marriages. The request will either be considered by Chief Justice John Roberts or the full court. It has twice granted delays in related cases.
