WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court today cleared the way for an immediate expansion of same-sex marriage by unexpectedly turning away appeals from five states seeking to prohibit gay and lesbian unions.

The court’s order effectively makes gay marriage legal now in 30 states.

Without comment, the justices brought to an end delays in same-sex marriages in five states — Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. Chief Justice John Roberts did not say a word about same-sex marriage as he began the court’s new term.

Couples in six other states — Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Wyoming — should be able to get married soon. Those states would be bound by the same appellate rulings that were put on hold pending the Supreme Court’s review

Those 11 states would bring to 30 the number of states where same-sex marriage is legal, plus the District of Columbia.

No other state cases were pending with the high court, but the justices stopped short of resolving the question of same-sex marriage nationwide.

Challenges are pending in every other state.