Starting as early as next week, gay couples in Alabama will be allowed to get married for the first time ever due to a recent federal appeals court decision to deny a stay on a lower court ruling that overturned the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

On Tuesday, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange's request to delay same-sex marriages in Alabama until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the issue later this year. However, Strange declared on Tuesday that he would appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, despite the fact that the high court will likely rebuff his request.

The case originally was filed by a lesbian couple, Cari Searcy and Kimberly McKeand, who were married in California. After the couple moved to Alabama, Searcy was denied the right to adopt McKeand's 8-year-old son since the state of Alabama did not recognize their marriage, reports the Los Angeles Times.

In late January, U.S. District Judge Callie Granade ruled that the state law banning gay marriage violated the due process and equal protection clauses under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

However, Granade put a stay on her decision up until Feb. 9 in order to allow Strange time to appeal. In a matter of days, Strange's appeal to the 11th Circuit to keep the stay in place was denied.

"I am disappointed in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court's decision not to stay the federal district court's ruling," wrote Strange, according to NBC News. "The confusion that has been created by the District Court's ruling could linger for months until the U.S. Supreme Court resolves this issue once and for all."

On the other hand, gay rights advocates like Equality Alabama board chairman Ben Cooper applauded the latest court decision.

"The freedom to marry is a reflection of Alabama's values of love and family. We look forward to seeing the first joyful weddings take place for same-sex couples throughout the state, and against this backdrop of happy celebrations," he said.

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