OREGON judge recognizes and halts gay marriages

The date 4/20, like 4:20 pm, is legendary among devotees of cannabis, and in 2004 it provides several surprises for queers.


In Portland, Oregon, a local Multnomah County judge issued a mixed ruling on same-sex marriages. Both sides publicly claim partial victory, and privately feel partial defeat. This decision definitely will be appealed, probably by both sides, to the Oregon Supreme Court. Both sides say they want to expedite the appeal process, which normally would inch along like a sleep-deprived snail. To understand this complex decision, look for analyses in queer weeklies, circa April 22-23.
Also look in April 21 edition of The Oregonian [ http://www.oregonlive.com/special/gaymarriage/ ].


In Sacramento, one committee of the state Assembly approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage licenses. This action sends the bill onward to another committee, which might send it to the full Assembly. But don't hold your breath. Many liberal Democrats would prefer to delay this bill until 2005; while Republicans would like to delay it forever. Meanwhile, watch for court decisions about the recent (February-March) San Francisco Marry-In. [For details and updates, please see:
http://www.sfgate.com/samesexmarriage/ ]


And in The City, the Chronicle published an article about Unitarian-Universalist polyamorists -- a topic which some pro-marriage activists might view as an inconvenient distraction at this particular moment in queer history. Many polyamorists are bisexuals; but all orientations and genders can be found in "poly" circles.
[For info, please visit
http://UUpa.org ]


-- SaveFreedom [at] yahoogroups.com
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P.S.: Meanwhile, our struggles continue:

CAL: SF: from now thru 30 June 2004: photo exhibit, "Just Married": San Francisco Exposure Gallery
( http://www.ExposureGallery.org ).


CAL: SF: 2004: book projects, collecting stories from married same-sex couples.
There are at least two competing efforts, so far:
(A) (http://KarenAndMelody.com/spousesforlife.html ).
(B) (info [at] intelligentobserver.com)


USA: April 21, Wed.: national "Day of Silence" for civil rights of LGBTI students.
[ http://www.dayofsilence.org ]


CAL: SF: Wed., April 21, 8pm: Smack Dab (queer open mic),Magnet, 4122--18th St, near Castro.
Hosted by Kirk Read and Larry-bob Roberts. Featuring Sherilyn Connelly and Roger Pinnell.
"Free, all ages, all genders."


PENNSYLVANIA: Philadelphia, April 26- May 2: Equality Forum. [http://www.equalityforum.com ]


CAL: Berkeley: (late April?) : birthday party for People's Park. Top-optional; perhaps clothing-optional.
Get equality and peace symbols painted on your bare skin.
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