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Oregon Judge Set To Issue Ruling In Gay Marriage Lawsuit

File photo of the Wayne L. Morse United States Courthouse in Eugene, Ore.
M.O. Stevens
/
Wikimedia
File photo of the Wayne L. Morse United States Courthouse in Eugene, Ore.

A federal judge in Oregon is set to rule Monday in a case that could legalize same-sex marriage in the state. U.S. District Judge MichaelMcShanesays he'll issue a ruling at noon.

File photo of the Wayne L. Morse United States Courthouse in Eugene, Ore.
Credit M.O. Stevens / Wikimedia
/
Wikimedia
File photo of the Wayne L. Morse United States Courthouse in Eugene, Oregon.

The case pits four same-sex couples against the state of Oregon, which bans gay marriage. Gay rights advocates say a ruling in their favor would open the door for all same-sex couples to be legally married in Oregon.

The state says it's ready to distribute marriage license applications immediately to same-sex couples if the judge overturns the ban. Last week Judge McShane turned down a national group's last-minute attempt to defend the 2004 voter-approved ballot measure.

If the judge rules against gay marriage, Oregon voters could have a chance to overturn the ban this fall.

Copyright 2014 Northwest News Network

Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December 2018 and became News Director in March 2023. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”