LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Gay marriage advocates nationwide heralded the ruling striking down deeply conservative Kentucky’s ban on same-sex marriage as a significant milestone, though matrimonies won’t begin in earnest there anytime soon.

Tuesday’s ruling by a federal judge, which said Kentucky’s ban violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, was put on hold because similar cases from other states are being heard by a federal appeals court. It’s unclear when Kentucky may begin issuing marriage licenses.