Federal Judge In Oregon Rules In Favor Of Gay Marriage

Same-sex couples now have the right to marry in Oregon. A federal judge Monday overturned the state's ban on gay marriage. U.S. District Judge Michael McShane's rulingclears the way for weddings to begin immediately. Same-sex couples lined up this morning outside the Multnomah County marriage license office anticipating a ruling in their favor. Gay rights advocates say couples plan to get married throughout the afternoon and evening in Portland and Eugene.
If the judge had ruled against same-sex marriage, gay rights advocates in Oregon were prepared to file an state initiative to overturn the ban at the ballot box this fall.