Multnomah Co. (Portland, OR) commissioners hear public on gay marriage

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Multnomah Co. commissioners hear public on gay marriage

The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. — Multnomah County Commissioner Serena Cruz issued a public apology to her colleague Lonnie Roberts, saying she and three other commissioners shouldn't have decided to allow same-sex marriages without letting him know first.

But Cruz and every commissioner except Roberts voted Thursday to reaffirm the county's practice of issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

The 4-1 vote came after more than 200 witnesses had their say in four sessions of testimony. The public forums and vote arose after the commissioners received harsh criticism for changing marriage laws without public say.

County Chairwoman Diane Linn made the change on March 3 as an administrative policy decision. Her sudden announcement surprised not only most Multnomah County residents but Roberts as well. Because of his more conservative leanings, the four other commissioners had cut him from discussions on the issue.

More at the Seattle Times