"Charleston federal judge Richard Gergel ruled same-sex couples have a right to marry under the U.S. Constitution.

"The ruling comes in a lawsuit filed by a lesbian couple denied a marriage license by the Charleston County probate court last month.

"They sued, arguing that the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had cleared the way for gay marriage in its jurisdiction, including South Carolina. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of that decision.

"South Carolina won't have to immediately begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples though: Judge Gergel stayed his ruling until Nov. 20 to give Gov. Nikki Haley and Attorney General Alan Wilson time to appeal."