A federal judge has granted a temporary six-day stay of his ruling striking down California’s gay marriage ban, known as Proposition 8. On Thursday, US District Court Chief Judge Vaughn Walker said gay marriage opponents have until next Wednesday to seek an appeals court ruling on whether to block gay marriages while his initial decision is appealed. In Los Angeles, West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore John Duran announced the decision to a crowd of gay marriage supporters.

John Duran: “We’ve just received information from the federal court in San Francisco that Judge Walker has said the marriages cannot begin until August the 18th at 5:00 p.m. So, those couples who are in lines at county offices, it looks like you’re going to have to wait another week. Some of you have waited five, ten, twenty years. You’re going to have to wait another week. We cannot start performing marriages until August the 18th at 5:00 in the evening.”

Although several gay rights groups called Walker’s ruling a victory, some same-sex couples criticized the delay. Los Angeles residents Robin Tyler and Diane Olsen said they’re disappointed that the wait will continue.

Robin Tyler: “Sad. You know, sad. It’s an emotional roller coaster. I’m sorry that they stayed the marriages for a week, because I’m sure that the opposition is going to go to a higher court and try to stop it. And, you know, for what reason? It’s very disappointing.”

Diane Olsen: “I’m not mad. I am thoroughly disgusted.”

In issuing the temporary stay, Judge Walker said he doubts gay marriage opponents will prevail in their appeal of his ruling because they haven’t shown how they’d be affected by its implementation. By contrast, Walker said same-sex couples are being denied their constitutional rights every day the ban’s in place. Jeff Zarrillo, a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Proposition 8, said he remains hopeful that the appeal will be denied.

Jeff Zarrillo: “I totally understand that, and I can certainly understand people’s emotions, but we have to keep the endgame in sight. And the endgame is a full federal equality for all gay and lesbian Americans. And we’re confident we’ll get there.”