Judge Michael McShane has ruled that Oregon’s marriage ban is unconstitutional. The ruling will go into effect immediately, and marriage licenses will soon be available in counties across the state. Already, Multnomah County is issuing licenses to same-sex couples.
According to Oregon Attorney General Ellen F. Rosenblum this is an historic day for our state. “I am delighted that Judge Michael McShane struck down Oregon’s ban on same-sex marriage, finding no legitimate state purpose justifies the preclusion of gay and lesbian couples from civil marriage. The U.S. District Court concluded, as I did in the position I took on behalf of the state defendants, that Oregon’s constitutional ban is not defensible under the United States Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause.”
Rosenblum continued: “I did not take lightly my decision not to defend the Oregon constitution in this matter. That is why we presented the court with all of the arguments we were aware of that had been made in other jurisdictions. And that’s why my office carefully explained in a lengthy brief and at oral argument why making those arguments in this case would have been at odds with our oath to defend the United States Constitution.
Today’s decisive ruling shows that the U.S. District Court also considered these arguments and rejected them. The ruling affirms our state’s commitment to equal protection under the law. It says, plainly and simply, that under the supreme law of the land, it is not okay to deny same-sex couples in Oregon the same right to marry that is given to opposite-sex couples.
As I said three months ago, marriage is the way loving couples become family to each other and to their extended families. As the court said, creating second-tier families does not advance the state’s strong interest in promoting and protecting all families. I would like to personally congratulate and welcome the many families that will soon be recognized as a result of today’s historic ruling.”
Statement From House Republican Leader Mike McLane on Same-Sex Marriage Court Decision- House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) issued the following statement in response to today’s federal court ruling regarding same-sex marriage:
“For those that believe marriage is a religious covenant, the origin of which predates America, today’s federal court ruling won’t change that. For those that believe marriage is a legal union between two people that is recognized and enforced by our state government, today’s ruling is a logical extension of the Supreme Court’s ruling last summer. Our society must embrace both views. My hope is that the process of reconciliation in Oregon will continue as we move forward with respect for each other.”
