Supporters of traditional marriage are appealing a ruling by a Washington, D.C. judge.

A judge ruled on Thursday that people in the city of Washington could not have a vote on gay marriage.

She said a public referendum would violate an anti-discrimination law against gays and lesbians.

However, Bishop Harry Jackson is appealing the decision. He says the city's board of elections and ethics over stepped its authority in denying a public vote on whether marriage should be defined as being between a man and a woman.

If the appeal fails and Congress does not intervene, same-sex marriages may be starting in D.C. as early as march.