WASHINGTON (VOA) - In a 5-4 decision, the Washington State Supreme Court upheld the state's ban on gay marriage, arguing that state officials have full rights to define the definition of marriage.

Two lower Washington State courts previously ruled the ban on gay marriage unconstitutional. One justice of the majority defended his decision, arguing the government has "a compelling interest in preserving the institution of marriage, as well as the healthy families and children it promotes."

Justice Barbara Madsen, another justice of the majority, said, "Although times are changing, the plaintiffs have not established that as of today sexual orientation is a suspect classification or that a person has a fundamental right to a same-sex marriage."

This decision falls in line with a number of previous rulings from other states upholding a ban on gay marriage, including the state of New York.

Although the state of Washington's decision disappoints small government believers, it was hailed by supporters of traditional marriage. "This is more than we could have imagined. We are shocked, and pleasantly shocked. We were prepared for the other direction," the director of Faith and Freedom Network said.

Massachusetts remains the only state with gay marriage legalized.