Alabama began the process of appealing a federal judge’s decision to overturn the state’s ban on same-sex marriage on Monday.

Attorney General Luther Strange’s office filed a notice with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta Monday morning, stating its intent to challenge U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. Granade’s ruling, according to the Miami Herald.

Granade ruled on Friday that Alabama’s bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional. When the attorney general requested that she put her decision on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court makes a decision on same-sex marriage later this year, Granade refused. At the request of the state, however, she did issue a stay of fourteen days, delaying the implementation of the ruling so as to allow the state time to appeal.

“As long as a stay is in place, same-sex couples and their families remain in a state of limbo with respect to adoption, child care and custody, medical decisions, employment and health benefits, future tax implications, inheritance and many other rights associated with marriage,” wrote Granade about her decision.

Strange called the stay a step in the right direction.

“While I would have preferred a longer stay to allow the matter to be settled by the U.S. Supreme Court’s anticipated ruling in June, the 14-day stay allows more time for my office to prepare our stay request to the 11th Circuit Court while also affording the public time to resolve the confusion over the impact of the recent ruling,” said the attorney general, according to ABC News.

The stay will expire on Feb. 9th, provided that the court does not extend it. Granade has indicated that during the two weeks, she will be drafting an order that clarifies how her decision will be implemented across the state.

Ashley Jackson, Alabama director of the Human Rights Campaign, remains optimistic.

“While we’re disappointed that committed, loving gay and lesbian couples in Alabama will not be able to marry, we’re hopeful the final legal barriers will be overcome quite soon,” said Jackson in a statement.

Friday’s decision paved the way for Alabama to become the 37th state to allow same-sex couples to wed.