Supreme Court avoids gay marriage debate, lower rulings stand

In what appears to be a tacit victory for gay marriage supporters, the Supreme Court decided yesterday not to hear cases where federal appeals courts have allowed same-sex unions in five states.

The decision, which came without explanation in a series of brief orders, effectively clears the way for same-sex marriages in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin, according to the New York Times.

Additionally, federal appeals courts with jurisdiction over six other states – Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virgina and Wyoming – are expected to soon strike down gay-marriage bans, as well. If that happens, 30 states would allow the unions.  

Read more from the New York Times.