SEE, SNAP, SEND

SEE, SNAP, SEND
Recent SixPix From Viewers

°

Homepage / Family
Text Size

Portland Gets Into Gay Marriage Business, Others Decline

POSTED: Wednesday, March 3, 2004
UPDATED: 3:11 pm EST March 3, 2004

Lines formed Wednesday outside a county administration building in Portland, Ore., after the community became the latest to jump into the wedding business for same-sex couples. In Detroit, same-sex couples were denied licenses during a protest.

Marriage licenses will be issued in Portland starting Wednesday.

The Multnomah County chairwoman said she got a favorable legal ruling from the county attorney and says the other county commissioners support the idea.

Among those waiting to be married was Chris Tanner. She said she's doing it for her two children. Tanner was camped out on a lawn chair waiting for the doors to open.

In Detroit, six same-sex couples were turned down for a marriage license.

Instead of licenses, they were offered copies of the state law that outlaws same-sex marriage.

The couples were among about 60 gays, lesbians and supporters who rallied in Detroit. They protested President George W. Bush's support of a constitutional amendment outlawing same-sex marriages and Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's televised statements opposing gay marriage.

A spokesman for a Detroit-area gay rights group said the applicants didn't really expect to get marriage licenses. But he said the demonstration showed how real people are being "marginalized and demonized" in the debate.

"We are taxpaying citizens. We're your neighbors. We're your friends. We're your co-workers and we want the simple right of getting married to the person we made a lifetime commitment to -- no damage done to anybody else," said Susan Horowitz, co-publisher of Between of Lines, Michigan's weekly newspaper for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community.

Meanwhile, another mayor in New York said that he'll start performing weddings even though the mayor of New Paltz, N.Y., is now facing criminal charges for performing same-sex weddings.

John Shields, of Nyack, told The Associated Press he'll start officiating at weddings of homosexual couples, possibly this week.

Shields is also planning a same-sex wedding for himself and his partner. He's planning to join other gay New Yorkers in visiting municipal clerks offices on Friday for marriage licenses.

Meanwhile, New Paltz Mayor Jason West continues to insist that he's not breaking the law. He told a morning news show that it's the state Health Department that's breaking the law by refusing to give marriage licenses to same-sex couples -- since the state constitution guarantees equal protection for all.

He also said he'll go ahead with two dozen more of those weddings this weekend.

West, 26, is to be arraigned Wednesday night. But he said he's confident the judge will agree there is nothing in New York's constitution barring same-sex marriage.

West presided at more than two dozen gay weddings last Friday. The state Health Department said that violates the domestic relations law, which makes it a crime to marry people who don't have a license.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

Senate Eyes Judges

Congress will wade Wednesday into the debate over gay marriage, taking the first steps in what's sure to be a divisive election-year battle as a second town in New York prepares to marry homosexual couples.

The Senate Judiciary Constitution subcommittee will focus on whether judges are overstepping their bounds and eroding traditional marriage.

Foes of same-sex marriage point to Massachusetts, where the state's high court ruled in November that gay couples have a constitutional right to marry. A further opinion said that the state should start offering marriage licenses as early as this spring.

The state's legislature attempted to propose a constitutional amendment to clarify the situation, but could not reach an agreement; it could not go into affect until 2006.

Gay rights supporters are fighting back, framing the issue as America's next civil rights battle.

Legal experts on both sides of the issue are expected to testify at the Senate panel's hearing.

Bush has called on Congress to quickly pass an amendment prohibiting gay marriages. He cited, among other things, "activist judges" for pushing him to make the move to provide clarity.

Chicago's County Won't Issue Licenses

The wedding march won't be playing anytime soon for gay couples in greater Chicago.

The clerk of Cook County said that even though he supports gay marriage, a state law passed in 1996 prohibits it. David Orr said the law is unconstitutional and discriminatory, but that he won't break it.

Orr was plunged into the national debate last month when Chicago Mayor Richard Daley announced he supported same-sex weddings.

Some gay activists, like Keeanga Taylor of Chicago's Equal Marriage Now, say those who claim to favor gay marriages -- but don't take action -- are on the same side as the people she called "homophobes and bigots."

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

To get the most out of your remodel, check out these 10 home updates that have the biggest payoffs when it comes time to sell your home. More

The first step in reducing debt is recognizing how much you have. Let us help you with the rest and get out from under your debt in 12 months. More

Do you want the look of a quality paint job without the hassle of having to redo it over and over? Spray on siding could be the answer. More

Most Popular

Marketplace

  • AutoClick to Expand

  • JobsClick to Expand

    • 7 Killer Cover Letter Mistakes

      Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter.

    • Why Having Fun At Work Matters

      If people are having fun, they’re going to work harder, stay longer, maintain their composure in a crisis and take better care of the organization.

    • Ten Tips To Boost Your Interview IQ

      Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies to enhance your interview IQ.

    • Learn How To Deal With Pay Cuts

      If you’re about to take a pay cut, find out how you can go about dealing with it and stay proactive about your salary.

  • WomenClick to Expand

    • Healthy Living In Your 40s

      Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

    • Manage Stress, Find Balance

      The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

    • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

      Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

  • InsuranceClick to Expand

    • Auto Insurance Quotes

      Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

    • Health Insurance Quotes

      No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

    • Home Insurance Quotes

      Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

    • Life Insurance Quotes

      What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

    • Business Insurance Quotes

      Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

  • HomesClick to Expand