The action is also something of a rebuff to the stance of Utah's governor. W.H. to recognize Utah gay marriages

The Obama administration will recognize the marriages of more than 1,000 same-sex couples married in Utah before the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order Monday effectively halting the practice in that state, Attorney General Eric Holder announced Friday.

The move will allow the couples to access federal benefits available to married couples, such as the ability to file joint tax returns, while the courts mull the validity of the marriages and the court rulings that led to them.


The action is also something of a rebuff and counterpoint to the stance of Gov. Gary Herbert (R-Utah), who is declining to recognize the same-sex unions.

( PHOTOS: 26 gay-rights milestones)

“I am confirming today that, for purposes of federal law, these marriages will be recognized as lawful and considered eligible for all relevant federal benefits on the same terms as other same-sex marriages,” Holder said in a videotaped statement.

“These families should not be asked to endure uncertainty regarding their status as the litigation unfolds. In the days ahead, we will continue to coordinate across the federal government to ensure the timely provision of every federal benefit to which Utah couples and couples throughout the country are entitled – regardless of whether they are in same-sex or opposite-sex marriages,” he added.

( PHOTOS: Where same-sex couples can wed)

A federal district judge in Utah ruled December 20 that the state’s ban on same-sex marriage violated the U.S. Constitution. Several hundred marriage licenses were issued in the days following Judge Robert Shelby’s decision.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit rejected the state’s requests to stay Shelby’s decision pending an appeal. However, on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order putting Shelby’s ruling on hold — at least until the 10th Circuit resolves the appeal.

The high court’s action left in limbo the legal status of same-sex marriages conducted during the roughly two weeks the practice was legal in Utah.

While Herbert is opposing the provision of state benefits to such couples, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes (R) has counseled county clerks to give the couples marriage certificates.