Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway has said that he will not appeal a recent order issued by U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II directing Kentucky to recognize out of state same-sex marriages. The order made official Heyburn's previous Feb. 12 ruling.

After Heyburn's order was issued Reason asked Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) to comment on the order. Paul's response below:

I believe in the historic and religious definition of marriage. I also believe this power belongs to the states and the people, not the federal government. It is illegitimate for the federal courts to intrude here.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear (D) has responded to Conway's comments. From the Associated Press:

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear says the state will hire outside attorneys to appeal a judge's decision granting legal recognition to same-sex couples married in other states and countries.

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