Indiana Gay Marriage Judge Knows Ruling Upset Some

The federal judge who struck down Indiana's gay marriage ban says he's well aware his decision upset some people, but says federal judges can't let public opinion affect their decisions.

U.S. District Judge Richard Young says it's for the common good that federal judges need concern themselves only with the cases before them.

He tells the Evansville Courier & Press the founding fathers made "a very wise decision" by giving federal judges lifetime tenures and making them "isolated from politics."

Young ruled last Wednesday that Indiana's same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional. His ruling allowed hundreds of gay and lesbian couples to obtain marriage licenses around Indiana over a 3-day period, and many of them were wed.

A federal appeals court issued a stay Friday putting Young's ruling on hold.

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.