Oregon Lawmakers Show Little Interest In Heeding Gay Marriage Ruling

[freetobegay]

Salem, Oregon) Members of the Oregon legislature Tuesday night showed little enthusiasm for taking up the issue of same-sex marriage after a judge ruled lawmakers have 90 days in the next regular or special session to deal with it.

Judge Frank Bearden ruled earlier in the day that it is unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the benefits of marriage, but he left it to the legislature to decide between civil unions and marriage. (story) Bearden also ruled that the state acted illegally in not registering those marriages already performed in Multnomah County, and ordered that they be immediately registered. But, he told the county not to issue any more licenses until the legislature acts or the 90 day period runs out.

The decision said that if the legislature has not passed laws aimed at making same-sex couples equal with heterosexually married couples within the 90 day time frame the county could resume issuing licenses.

But, in an election year, legislators are not rushing to the plate.

http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/04/042104oreLeg.htm

[mouse7]

1. Nothing is getting through the Oregon legislature right now

The legislature is evenly split and bitterly divided. My guess is the 90 days will run out and licenses will be issued again.

[freetobegay]

2. Thats good then!

eom