Gay marriage is moving forward in the heart of the South on Monday after the Supreme Court denied a request from Alabama for a delay.

The Supreme Court’s move makes Alabama the 37th state to allow gay marriage. It comes ahead of a decision expected later this year that could expand marriage rights to gay couples across the country.

“It’s a great day in Alabama for everyone who cherishes freedom,” said Richard Cohen, President of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

A district court judge struck down Alabama’s gay marriage ban in January. The state hoped to block that ruling until the Supreme Court