Marriage in Oregon is administered at a county level. The commissioners ordered county employees to begin issuing licenses today after consulting with County Attorney Agnes Swole. Swole stated that the county was in violation of the Oregon Constitution by not allowing same-sex couples to marry.
Oregon law states, “Marriage is defined as a civil contract entered into in person by males at least 17 years of age and females at least 17 years of age.” Attorney Swole said, “The definition does not state specifically that the contract may only be entered into between partners of the opposite sex; it merely identifies the qualifications of those who may enter into the marriage contract.” Oregon is one of ten states without a law banning same-sex marriage.
Oregon has long been on the front line in the battle for gay rights. In the past ten years four state-wide proposals have been on the ballot to try and restrict gay rights. All of these measures have failed. Currently, several anti-gay groups have submitted a proposal, which may end up on the November ballot to define marriage as only between a man and a woman.
Oregon normally has a three-day waiting period between marriage application and when the licenses can be issued. The county waived the three-day waiting period and the first couples were married shortly after 10 am. By 5pm approximately 290 couples were issued licenses.
Unlike San Francisco, weddings were not performed in the same building the licenses were issued in. Basic Rights Oregon, a state-wide gay rights group rented out space at the Hilton Hotel and Keller Auditorium where the first couples were wed. Later, couples lined up outside Keller Auditorium, a large theater venue where the Oregon Ballet performs. Volunteer clergy from different denominations performed private ceremonies for the happy couples in the lobby of the auditorium.
