The Supreme Court has announced that same-sex marriage will not be one of the cases it will take up in its new term starting next week.

In doing so, for now, the high court has decided to take no action on the issue of same-sex marriage in various cases.

Seven cases referring to five US states are currently pending before the US Supreme Court. They concern Indiana, Wisconsin, Virginia, Utah and Oklahoma.

Hundreds of appeals are expected to be turned away this coming Monday by the court, but it is unlikely that same-sex marriage cases will be included in those.

Now it is unlikely that the Supreme Court justices will make an announcement before their next private meeting on 10 October. Decisions could be announced between 10 and 14 October.

Justices must vote on whether or not to take up the cases, and if four or more justices vote for a case, it will be heard.

Cases from other states may also arrive at the high court in due course.