Brett Barrouquere, AP Michael De Leon (left) and Gregory Bourke are plaintiffs in the federal challenge to Kentucky's same-sex marriage ban. Photo:

Brett Barrouquere, AP Michael De Leon (left) and Gregory Bourke are plaintiffs in the federal challenge to Kentucky's same-sex marriage ban. Photo:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Attorneys for gay couples seeking formal recognition of their out-of-state marriages say a federal judge is expected to sign a final order in the case by the end of the week.

U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II earlier this month threw part of the state’s ban on gay marriages. The ruling only applies to couples married in other states or countries.

A final order would mean same-sex couples may change their names on official identifications and documents and obtain any other benefits of a married couple in Kentucky. But Heyburn’s ruling doesn’t affect a related lawsuit seeking to force the state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

The Kentucky attorney general’s office has not sought to delay the ruling as of Wednesday afternoon.

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