Attorney general says gay marriage ban probably invalid

OregonLive.com/AP ^ | 03/12/2004 | Charles E. Beggs

[B Knotts]

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers said Friday that banning same-sex marriage probably violates Oregon's Constitution, effectively placing the issue in the hands of the state's highest court.

Myers' nonbinding written opinion also said current state law forbids counties from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, as Multnomah County has been doing for a week.

"The Oregon Supreme Court likely would conclude that withholding from same-sex couples the legal rights, benefits and obligations that under current law are automatically granted to married couples of the opposite sex violates" the constitution, Myers said.

Myers' opinion is not binding on counties, and Gov. Ted Kulongoski said at a news conference that the opinion is "fraught with warnings to be careful" about drawing conclusions about what the high court would rule on the issue.

[B Knotts]

So, the AG and the Governor say Multnomah County is breaking the law, and they just intend on contining to break the law.

I fear Hardy Myers is probably right about what the idiots on the Oregon Supreme Court will probably do, so we are going to need to pass a constitutional amendment, at least at the state level, to put an end to this foolishness once and for all.

[madprof98]

I see the governor of Oregon has internalized the gay-marriage talking-points that were faxed to him:

Kulongoski, at a news conference, said he would oppose any move by the Legislature to consider sending a measure to the voters to essentially ban gay marriage. Some lawmakers have expressed interest in taking up the topic when the Legislature conducts a June special session on tax reform.

"I will not support putting discrimination into the state constitution or the federal constitution," the governor said. "That is not who we are as a people."

[Valpal1]

I can't sign a recall petition for Multnomah County Commissioners, but I can d@mn sure sign and circulate one against Hardy Myers.

The sooner we do that, the quicker the robes on our state SC will get the message that they too, can be replaced.

[Dan(9698)]

An attorney general opinion carries on legal weight.

His opinion is for discussion only.

[EdReform]

Bump

What We Can Do To Help Defeat the "Gay" Agenda
( www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1076476/posts )

Homosexual Agenda: Categorical Index of Links (Version 1.1)
( www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1026551/posts )

The Stamp of Normality
( www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1085090/posts )

[dixiechick2000]

"So, the AG and the Governor say Multnomah County is breaking the law, and they just intend on contining to break the law."

I'm not surprised at all. It's what they do. I can't wait for the recall. I haven't been able to keep up with it very much, but I did hear it looks like it will be on the primary ballot. I certainly hope it is. I just wish I could cast a vote. If I were a 'Rat, I probably could...;o)

[little jeremiah]

Homosexual Agenda Ping.

Oregon dives into the Tsunami of Sewage(tm). Will the people be allowed to have a voice, and if so, what will they say?

Let me know if anyone wants on/off this pinglist.

[shhrubbery!]

we are going to need to pass a constitutional amendment, at least at the state level, to put an end to this foolishness once and for all

There will have to be a constitutional amendment on the national level if we are going to put an end to this nonsense.

Without that, there will be lawsuits ad nauseum and ad infinitum, at least until SCOTUS rules in favor of the sodomites (and they will, eventually, unless there is an amendment).

[B Knotts]

I agree...that's why I said "at least."

[mrustow]

The sooner we do that, the quicker the robes on our state SC will get the message that they too, can be replaced.

Judges will never admit it, but they watch the scoreboard as intently as anyone.