LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A Pulaski County judge who overturned a ban on adoptions by unmarried couples is suspending the ruling pending an appeal.

Circuit Court Judge Chris Piazza suspended his ruling Tuesday while the state prepares to appeal his ruling that the restrictions are unconstitutional.

Piazza ruled on April 16 that the ban is unconstitutional. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and the head of a conservative Christian group that led the drive to pass the restrictions say they will appeal.

The law was approved by voters in November 2007 and was challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union.