Following a federal judge's ruling
striking down Oregon's ban on gay marriage, Oregon Senator Jeff
Merkley released a statement congratulating the state.
(Related: Gay
couples start marrying in Oregon following marriage ruling.)
“Today is a momentous day in Oregon’s
fight for equality,” Merkley said. “Lifetime love and commitment
should be celebrated and honored, not relegated to second-class
status. Today, Oregon is a better place for all who live here. This
ruling will strengthen families and communities and ensure that every
Oregonian is treated equally under the law.”
“I extend my heartfelt
congratulations to all the Oregon families who will soon be able to
celebrate their love and commitment in the state they call home,”
he added.
The ruling makes Oregon the 18th
state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to allow gay couples
to marry. It is also the 13th consecutive court win for
marriage equality advocates since the Supreme Court last year struck
down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibited the federal
government from recognizing the marriages of gay couples.