RALEIGH -- Gay marriage advocates want a federal judge to quickly overturn North Carolina's ban on same-sex unions after an appeals court ruling to overturn a similar prohibition in Virginia.

Chris Brook, Legal Director of the North Carolina ACLU, says the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals has refused to put a stay on their ruling striking down Virginia's same-sex marriage ban.

"I think a lot of people were surprised that the 4th Circuit refused to issue a stay. On this matter, the opposing side has indicated that they will appeal the 4th Circuit's decision in regards to the stay."

Federal Judge William Osteen in Greensboro has put no timeline on when he might rule over whether North Carolina's same-sex marriage ban can stay in place.