Announcement comes hours after court strikes down ban on gay nuptials
Holder cites Supreme Court action as reason to extend federal benefits to more gay couples
Judge declines to stay decision, paving the way for gay couples to wed immediately
Defense Dept. denies White House assertion that review underway
Order dissolves on Friday unless additional stay enacted by Supreme Court
Appointment would be responsible for combatting anti-gay laws passed in Russia, Uganda
Lesbian couple obtained marriage license, but blocked by state from marrying
But two paths emerge: A series of circuit court rulings or Supreme Court decision
Ninth Circuit dissolves stay on decision against state's ban on gay nuptials
Precedent by Ninth Circuit cited as reason for ruling against ban on gay nuptials