State Sen. Vincent Sheheen, the Democratic nominee for governor, says the state should "pause" any battle over its gay marriage ban until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the issue.
The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers several states including South Carolina, has ruled that Virginia's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional, following a string of similar rulings in other states.
Gov. Nikki Haley and S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson have defended the state's law. Tom Ervin, an independent running for governor, said after the ruling that the government shouldn't get involved in the issue, which he said should be left to churches and couples.
Sheheen initially said he was monitoring the legal battle over the issue but now says the state should wait until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on it.
"The U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately decide this issue, and our state should pause in the legal battles and await a decision by the court," he said.
"When that decision is given, we must come together and abide by the law of the land, and regardless of the outcome churches must always maintain their ability to determine what ceremonies they conduct and recognize."
Sheheen said he personally doesn't support gay marriage.