Oregon Judge Rules Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: May 19, 2014

Oregon Judge Rules Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

U.S. District Judge Michael McShane has declared Oregon’s gay marriage ban unconstitutional, ruling that gay couples were unfairly discriminated against. Homosexual couples in the state were immediately permitted access to marriage licenses in the state.

The case was brought on by four gay couples reports the Associated Press.

The National Organization for Marriage made a stay request to delay the final decision which was denied by the court. Couples were then allowed to proceed with obtaining marriage licenses.

Laurie Brown and Julie Engbloom were among the first couples to receive a marriage license. The pair has been together for 10 years.

“We always knew we wanted to spend our whole lives together. This opportunity has come, it feels right, everything has fallen into place,” Brown said.

The ban had originally been added to the state constitution by voters in 2004.

 

Publication date: May 19, 2014



Oregon Judge Rules Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional