As a rule, Oregon tends to lead the way for progressive values. However, one area in which my state has lagged behind many others is in the right of people to marry based on love, not gender. In 2004, Republicans got an Oregon Constitutional Amendment outlawing gay marriage on the ballot, and it passed. It appears we are about to rectify that injustice.
U.S. District Judge Michael McShane on Wednesday rejected an attempt by an anti-gay marriage group to intervene in the lawsuit seeking to overturn Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage.
McShane's ruling raised expectations by gay marriage supporters that his next step will be to overturn the 2004 voter-approved constitutional amendment limiting marriage to one man and one woman.
The judge's decision to reject an attempt by the National Organization for Marriage [pseudo-Christians delinked] to intervene leaves all of the official parties in the case — including Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum — arguing that Oregon's prohibition violates the federal equal protection of rights of gay and lesbian couples seeking to marry.
"We feel very confident this is headed in the right direction," said David Fidanque, executive director of the Oregon chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing some of the plaintiffs in the case. He noted that 13 federal judges in a row — including one in Idaho on Tuesday — have now issued rulings granting additional legal status for gay marriages… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <The Oregonian>
Oregon’ initiative process can be a great thing. Oregon voters can change the law or amend the Oregon Constitution by ballot initiative. However, it has problems that need to be addressed, such as the huge amounts of money Republicans spend on them. Also, Republicans love to get ballot measures in off year and special elections that most voters ignore, so they can win with fewer votes. In my opinion, ballot measures should only be included on ballots for major elections.
I look forward to seeing this injustice overturned.
12 Responses to “Courts Likely to Overturn an Oregon Injustice”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
I was an employee of Multnomah country in 2004 and I remember how palpable the excitement was when gay marriage was made legal there, just in the one county. At that time it was still a very radical idea. When the fundies got an initiative on the ballot to squelch it via a state-wide vote, though, we knew we didn't really have a chance. Gay marriage probably couldn't have survived a popular referendum in any state in the country back then.
Of course, if it were put to a vote now, I'm sure the results would be very different. If the courts do rectify the injustice, no one but the fundies will complain.
Amen, Infidel!! 😉
The dominoes are falling as these cases move to the court and judges that have some degree of personal integrity find these laws constitutional. Even the current SCOTUS would have to find against the states and in favor of equal rights. *makes me giggle all over*
Oregon (and Washington) are often thought of as Progressive states but they can have split personalities. The mountain range that runs along the eastern boundary of California keeps going right up into Canada, with name changes (yes, an oversimplification but I hope a useful one), and the voters on the east side of those are more like Idaho voters. Cut off not only from the coast, but from sanity.They are not a majority, but they are a force to be reckoned with. Some battles pretty well have to be fought in the courts, and this appears to be one of them.
Forgetting that eastern Oregon is part of out state took too much work, I refuse to remember! 😈
Thanks TC – good news.
It is strange that Oregon passed an unfair law like this. I hope it's not long before it's rectified. Myephew and his partner, living in Baltimore, have just announced their engagement. I'm looking forward to their wedding next summer either in Baltimore or here in NY. Equal rights for ALL should be a way of life in the USA. Doesn't the Constitution state that?
Good for that judge!
Woohoo! Finally a judge that understands the Constitution and human rights.
Thanks all!
Glad to see justice for all hopefully… 🙄