Alaska's gay marriage ban was the first of its kind in the United States, after a state constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1998 defined marriage as being solely between one man and one woman. Last May, five gay couples filed a lawsuit against the Alaska gay marriage, asking the state to overturn the amendment - as well as asking lawmakers for the possibility of stopping other states from performing such bans in the future; also, the lawsuit asked Alaska to recognize gay marriages performed in other states or countries.

The Alaska gay marriage ban case was the first of its kind in the United States back in the late 90s, and it's been one of the most carefully watched cases on the topic in the last few months, after last May a few gay couples asked that the ban be named unconstitutional.

According to The New York Times, Judge Timothy M. Burgess of Federal District Court in Anchorage heard arguments Friday afternoon regarding the Alaska gay marriage ban, and then promised to hand out a quick decision to the parties involved.

Two days later, on Sunday afternoon, Judge Burgess released 25-page long decision on the case, which included: "Refusing the rights and responsibilities afforded by legal marriage sends the public a government-sponsored message that same-sex couples and their familial relationships do not warrant the status, benefits and dignity given to couples of the opposite sex."

The Washington Post reports that, however, the northern state's government filed its notice of appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, also asking Judge Burgess to stay his opinion released on Sunday, which had Alaska's gay marriage ban called unconstitutional. During the hearing with Judge Burgess last Friday, the state also asked for a stay - which the judge didn't grant at his Sunday opinion.

While the state continues its proceedings to keep the Alaska gay marriage ban legal, gay couples across the state have already begun applying for marriage licenses. Because of a three-day wait, the first ceremonies won't be performed until Thursday.