LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A federal judge has ordered Kentucky to pay $70,000 in attorney’s fees to the plaintiffs in a lawsuit that resulted in the recognition of out-of-state same-sex marriages.

U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II on Wednesday immediately put the order on hold, though, pending the result of an appeal of his ruling in the case.

Heyburn concluded that the lawsuit brought by two couples who were married in other states or countries over the past 10 years and sought to force Kentucky to recognize their unions was novel and difficult.

Heyburn ruled that the plaintiffs’ attorneys showed “considerable skill” in winning the case and the fees requested were reasonable.

Heyburn’s decision to recognize out-of-state marriages is on hold until the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals rules on the case.

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