Portland Ore to Begin Gay Weddings Today

[Queersetti]

Portland Ore. To Begin Gay Weddings Today

Portland Ore. To Begin Gay Weddings Today_
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

(Portland, Oregon)_Portland, Oregon today is expected to become the second west coast city_ to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Local radio and television stations, citing unnamed sources, report that the Multnomah County clerk will begin issuing the licenses this morning. The move, follows a legal opinion from the county attorney that same-sex marriages should be allowed._

Oregon law defines marriage only as a civil contract entered into in person by males at least 17 years of age and females at least 17 years of age, who are otherwise capable.__

That generally has been interpreted as meaning 1 man and 1 woman, but the county lawyer says a court is likely to find it is insufficiently clear to prevent same-sex marriage._

Gay marriage opponents have filed four versions of a proposed constitutional amendment that would prevent Oregon from recognizing gay marriages. It is expected, if the groups get enough signatures to put the issue on the November ballot, only one version would appear.

KGW telvision reports that Multmomah County is working on a legal interpretation on the gay marriage licenses to be unveiled Wednesday when the first ones are issued.

Meanwhile, KXL radio says the sheriff's office has been asked to provide security during the event, however, the sheriff would not confirm that.

Multnomah County Judge Linda Bergman, in an interview with KGW Tuesday night, while not confirming the reports said she would schedule and perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples if they have a license when they make the appointment.

A spokesperson for Oregon governor Ted Kulongoski said the governor's office was aware of the reports but would have no comment until the reports could be confirmed._

More than 3,500 same-sex couples have received marriage licenses and wed in San Francisco since that city began issuing licenses to gay couples last month._ The action is being contested in the courts by the state and two conservative action groups.

In New York state, the mayor of a small town north of New York City will appear in court today after he was charged with illegally marrying same-sex couples in New Paltz. (story)

Same-sex marriage will be begin in Massachusetts in May following a ruling by that state's Supreme Court.

 

[ExistentialLuv]

Thanks for the heads up but beat you to it

https://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=232317


When I turned on the TV this morn this was the first story I heard

 

[Bitchslapper]

It's spreading!!!

You guys realize of course this means the total collapse of civilization. Wait, I think it's happening already...nope, false alarm. WAIT! There it is again...sorry, another false alarm. Well, just wait for it.

 

[Pookie]

Basic Rights Oregon and ACLU Congratulate First Same-Sex Couples Married in Oregon

March 3, 2004

BRO & ACLU lead effort for same-sex couples to receive marriage licenses in Multnomah County

PORTLAND, OR – Today, same-sex couples were married in Portland by former Oregon Supreme Court Justice Betty Roberts following a decision by the Multnomah County Commissioners to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Basic Rights Oregon and the American Civil Liberties Union, which are advising the married couples, applauds the Commissioners for recognizing that the Oregon Constitution prevents them from discriminating against same-sex couples in marriage.

“Married couples in Oregon receive more than 1,000 federal rights and more than 500 state rights by entering into a civil agreement called marriage,” explained Roey Thorpe, Basic Rights Oregon executive director. “Marriage is about protecting and recognizing families – all families. Gay and lesbian couples and their children deserve the same support and benefits that any other family in the state receives as a result of marriage. Just a few of these benefits include parenting rights, marriage-related tax breaks, the right to benefits paid to the spouses of police and firefighters, hospital visitation, inheritance and burial rights when a partner dies, and spousal privilege court testimony.”

ACLU of Oregon Executive Director David Fidanque noted that the Oregon Bill of Rights requires state and local governments to provide equal rights and privileges to all Oregonians.

“Oregon appellate courts have ruled that discrimination against gay and lesbian couples by state and local governments is unconstitutional in Oregon,” Fidanque said. “Marriage is a commitment between two people who choose to share their lives together through good times and bad. We applaud Multnomah County for recognizing that same-sex couples should not be denied the same rights and responsibilities that other married couples have under state law.”

Oregon is one of 12 states that does not have a law denying marriage rights to same-sex couples. These laws are most often referred to as Defense of Marriage Acts (DOMA).

Although these laws vary from state to state, they generally prohibit marriages between same-sex partners and in some cases domestic partnerships or civil unions as well.

Source: http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRights.cfm?ID=15159&c=101

 

[ksmybuttons]

EL, your link doesn't work.

As a Portlander, I thought I would report for you. Just talked with a friend who lives in the neighborhood where the judge is marrying people.

Long lines, people throwing "blood" at people who are waiting. State really a zoo.

I'm pleased with my local government, I admire the people who are putting themselves out there. I hope it works out and no one gets hurt.

 

[ExistentialLuv]

By Oregon They still have to wait 3 days to wed and have 60 days after the certificate is issued to honor it in the state of Oregon.

Just got off the phone with our Marriage office in my Oregon County and was Denied a License



Just violated my rights. Waiting to here back from the County Commisioner on the subject.






Thank You Buttons. Wish I could make it there today to see the event. Watching all morning on the Local Portland Channel. Had My thread deleted.

 

[ksmybuttons]

By Oregon They still have to wait 3 days to wed and have 60 days after the certificate is issued to honor it in the state of Oregon.

Just got off the phone with our Marriage office in my Oregon County and was Denied a License



Just violated my rights. Waiting to here back from the County Commisioner on the subject.






Thank You Buttons. Wish I could make it there today to see the event. Watching all morning on the Local Portland Channel. Had My thread deleted.

So they must just be getting their licenses...

I'm listening to Lars Larson, a real right wing guy. I like to know what the other side is saying.

Diane Linn, chair of the Multnomah County board is the one that basically approved the issuing of the licenses. She made the mistake of paying public employees who didn't work during the snow and ice storm and had already written her public office death notice, so she is politically immune.

 

[ExistentialLuv]

So they must just be getting their licenses...

I'm listening to Lars Larson, a real right wing guy. I like to know what the other side is saying.

Diane Linn, chair of the Multnomah County board is the one that basically approved the issuing of the licenses. She made the mistake of paying public employees who didn't work during the snow and ice storm and had already written her public office death notice, so she is politically immune.

Actually, They have waived the 3 day waiting period and are performing the ceramonies

 

[MzChrista]

5 same sex couples went to the city office in Detroit today and asked for licenses. They got turned down so now they have grounds to file a lawsuit.

 

[ExistentialLuv]

5 same sex couples went to the city office in Detroit today and asked for licenses. They got turned down so now they have grounds to file a lawsuit.

If that is what it is going to take to get the laws changed then by all means they need to do it.


The ACLU has stepped in here and has told them they are violating our rights. Look what a little uprising has started. Hopefully, all states will follow soon.

 

[Pookie]

ACLU Files Lawsuit in Oregon Seeking Marriage Equality for Same-Sex Couples

March 24, 2004


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORTLAND, OR - The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit today challenging an Oregon law that discriminates against same-sex couples by denying them marriage and the rights and protections that come with it.

"Oregon’s constitution doesn’t allow people to be discriminated against because they are lesbian and gay, but that’s exactly what Oregon’s marriage law does," said Jann Carson, Associate Director of the ACLU of Oregon. "The lawsuit we filed today will help us get this issue addressed by the courts as quickly as possible so that same-sex couples will no longer have to face family hardships because they are unprotected by the law."

The lawsuit was brought on behalf of nine same-sex couples and Basic Rights Oregon, the state’s largest LGBT advocacy group. Four of the couples are already married after receiving licenses in Multnomah County, two of the couples were hoping to get licenses from Benton County before that county’s decision to stop issuing all marriage licenses, two couples were denied marriage licenses from the clerk in Lane County, and one of the couples has not applied yet.

"Marriage is a commitment shared by two people who love each other and agree to look out for each other during the good times and the bad," said Roey Thorpe, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon. "Two adults who make this personal choice to form a life-long commitment should not be denied the right to marry just because they are gay or lesbian."

The ACLU filed the lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court in accordance with an agreement among the parties already involved in cases, which began after Multnomah County started issuing licenses. The case is assigned to Judge Frank Bearden, who said he intends to move the case through the trial court quickly. Cases brought by the Defense of Marriage Coalition, which sought to invalidate the marriages of same-sex couples, will be dismissed on the condition that the Defense of Marriage Coalition is allowed to participate in the lawsuit filed today. Multnomah County will also be allowed to be a party in the litigation.

The couples represented by the ACLU include:

- Mary Li and Becky Kennedy were the first couple to receive a marriage license from Multnomah County. They have been in a committed relationship for more than three years and have a nine-month-old daughter. Mary understands very clearly what it’s like to face discrimination in marriage. Her father, who is Chinese, married her mother, who is white, in 1963, before the United States Supreme Court finally said that it is unconstitutional for any state to bar marriages between people of different races.

- Katie Potter and Pam Moen, both police officers in Portland, met on the job in 1990 and got married in Portland the first day Multnomah County issued licenses to same-sex couples. They are the proud moms of two daughters, a four-year-old and a one-year-old. Because of the nature of their jobs, Katie and Pam constantly worry about how they would protect their family if one of them were killed or injured in the line of duty. Unfortunately, they are denied many protections, including a $25,000 payment that would go to the survivor if one of them were killed on duty, as well as health, education and mortgage benefits, available to their straight colleagues who marry.

- Sally Sheklow and Enid Lefton of Lane County have been together for over 17 years. They were married by a rabbi at a commitment ceremony in Eugene in 1998 and would now like to make their marriage legal. Because Sally and Enid are unable to marry legally, Enid cannot cover Sally through her employer-sponsored health plan. Sally, a 53-year-old self-employed writer and part-time teacher, makes slightly too much money to qualify for Medicaid coverage and is unable to find a private insurer willing to provide coverage to her.

- Walter Frankel and Curtis Kiefer, together for 23 years, were planning to obtain a marriage license in Benton County before the county commissioners decided to stop the issuance of all licenses. As they near retirement age, Walter, who is 65, and Curtis, who is 52, have become increasingly concerned about their ability to take care of each other in their later years. Because they can’t marry, they are denied many benefits including pension and Social Security coverage as well as hospital visitation and the right to make emergency medical decisions for each other. The couple has already experienced some of this discrimination. When Curtis’s mother was dying in the intensive care unit, Walter was permitted to visit only after Curtis was forced to plead with the hospital.

A hearing on the constitutional issues raised in the ACLU’s complaint is expected in mid-April before Judge Bearden. The couples are represented by Ken Choe, a staff attorney for the National ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights Project, and ACLU of Oregon cooperating attorney Lynn Nakamoto of Markowitz, Herbold, Glade & Mehlhaf of Portland.

The Complaint is online at http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRights.cfm?ID=15304&c=101

Source: http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRights.cfm?ID=15306&c=101

 

[John Doe]

Huh? Society hasn't collapsed yet? Oh...well, I'll check back later.

 

[Stiffy Says...]

Way to go Multnomah County

The day they started marrying folks, I wrote Diane Linn and the Gov and told them how proud I am to live here, and proud of Multnomah County's action. I hope in the end, equal rights prevail.

Have any of you seen what happened in Maine, about domestic partners? I kinda think that may end up being how states sidestep the issue.