Same-Sex Marriages in Orgeon

Yesterday (April 14, 2005), the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that the marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples in Multnomah County are invalid.  The court explained that one county cannot take such unilateral action, especially in light of a state statute and a constitutional provision limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples.

The court recognized, however, that the state legislature could authorize civil unions or some other non-marriage technique for same-sex couples to be afforded similar rights as opposite-sex couples.