» may 7.2004
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Judge issues mixed ruling on sam e-sex marriage
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J ourney to the
I nner C hild
by Bob Roehr and Jim Radosta
"Dmunii'âosi D hco'Jvrj"
Celebrate your successful arrival into adulthood with a senti
mental and joyous reflection on growing up. The centerpiece
of our musical Journey will be the multi-award winning "Oliver
Button is a Sissy" based on the book by Tomie dePaola with
music by Alan Shorter. Oliver will enchant adults and inspire
children of all ages.
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Multnomah County Commissioners Serena Cruz (left) and Lisa Naito react to the ruling at a
news conference April 20
K aul A uditorium - R eed C o lleg e
anning same-sex marriage is a viola
Rights Campaign, said, “W e are hopeful that
Oregon will give same-sex couples equal access
tion o f A rticle I, Section 20 of the
Oregon Constitution, which guaran
to marriage— and all the rights it bestows.”
tees “equal privileges and immuni
Defense o f Marriage C oalition attorney
ties for all,” according to a ruling
Kelly Clark was pleased with the decision
April 20 by Multnomah County Circuit
because
Judge it moves same-sex marriage into the
Frank Bearden.
Legislature for what he called “a reasoned, dig
nified public debate about these issues.”
He declared that the 3,022 marriage licenses
T he Oregon Legislature is scheduled to meet
already issued to gay and lesbian couples are legally
in special session in June to deal with issues of
valid, hut at the same time he ordered the county to
suspend issuing new licenses to same-sex couples.
tax reform, but it is unclear whether that session
will take place or be canceled.
Bearden gave the state Legislature 90 days
All parties in the case had anticipated from
from the start of its next session either to adapt
existing law to include gays or to shape a
the outset that the case would be appealed on an
Vermont-style civil union measure that would
expedited basis to the Oregon Supreme Court;
the only question is whether it will bypass or go
afford those same “privileges and immunities.” If
it does not do so, the county may again begin to
through an intermediary appeals court.
issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
The speed of the decision surprised many, who
“These are the first legally recognized gay mar
had anticipated a ruling by the end of the week, on
April 23. Gay rights advocates and traditional mar
riages in the country,” said David Fidanque, exec
utive director of the American Civil Liberties
riage defenders had made their cases in the Port
U nion of Oregon, which brought the suit on
land courtroom only a few days earlier, on April 16.
behalf of nine gay and lesbian couples. “T he court
Bearden said that summary judgment motions
rightly recognized that same-sex couples are dis
generally are based upon the submitted briefs, in
criminated against by the state in marriage.”
this case totaling 300 pages, and that seldom is
there an opportunity for oral arguments. But
But he criticized the decision for leaving
open the possibility of creating civil unions.
because he thought this lawsuit is unique and
important, as is the need for “public awareness
“You can’t use the law to say one group o f Am er
every step of the way,” he scheduled two hours of
icans is not as good as another.”
arguments for the parties to make their cases.
Cheryl Jacques, president of the Human
B
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A C la s s A c t 2004
The 10th annual classical music and
decadent dessert revue, benefiting the
Bill and Ann Shepherd Legal Scholarship
Fund of Equity Foundation. Helping 3rd
and 4th-year law students dedicated to
fighting bigotry and discrimination.
M IC H A E L A L L E N H A R R IS O N
& J U L IA N N E J O H N S O N
Friday, M ay 21 s t
8 :0 0 p m
T h e O ld C hurch
1 4 2 2 SW 11th
Portland, Oregon
Tickets
$25.00 In advance
$30.00 At the door
Ticket Locations
Balloons on Broadway, 617 SW Washington
Gai-Pied, 2544 NE Broadway
Information
(503) 286-1752
Proudly Sponsored by:
' Bill and A m Shtphcrd
U ^ l fcfao W d p fand
ju s t r n r a
Chrudopher D. W right, PC.
Attorney at Law and C P A
D owntown P ortland
901 SW Y amhill
503.223.9510
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