At issue is whether federal benefits can be denied in marriages legal under state law . The case has been closely watched by gay rights advocates and the Obama administration, which had urged a stay of the ruling. The appeals court notes it may ultimately be up to the Supreme Court to decide . The law is being defended by congressional Republicans , not the Obama administration .
At issue is whether federal benefits can be denied in marriages legal under state law . A three-judge panel of a federal appeals court says no . The appeals court notes it may ultimately be up to the Supreme Court to decide . The law is being defended by congressional Republicans , not the Obama administration .