Gov. Butch Otter issued the following statement on the temporary stay issued this afternoon by the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals, blocking legal same-sex marriage from beginning tomorrow morning at 9:

“I appreciate the 9^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stepping in to ensure Idaho will not have to endure the same kind of chaos and confusion that Utah faced after a similar lower-court decision. Today’s ruling stays the federal magistrate’s order and maintains the status of marriage as defined by the Idaho Constitution – between one man and one woman. Meanwhile, I am proceeding with an aggressive challenge in the appellate court. I’m hopeful for a better outcome, but in any event I am committed to defending our Constitution and the will of Idaho voters.”