Oregon district judge speaks it on marriage equality

[Iwillnevergiveup]

http://www.oregonunitedformarriage.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/opinion.pdf

This is one of the most brilliant, rational things I've ever read. It also brought tears to my eyes. Reading the entire decision is well worth it.

##snip##


("[T]he argument that the definition of marriage should remain the same for the definition's sake
is a circular argument, not a rational justification. Simply stating what has always been does not
address the reasons for it. The mere fact that prior law, history, tradition, the dictionary and the
Bible have defined a term does not give that definition a rational basis, it merely states what has
been.&quot .

##snip##

[fredamae]

1. NOM had a Very

bad day yesterday---Oregon (Lots of tears and Happiness here yesterday) then a Judge ordered UT must recognize same sex marriages (1300 of them) and Then a fine was levied against them in Maine

I'm sorry, I know it's wrong to "enjoy" this turnaround at the expense of their "pain" (anger) but there is something So delightful about Gaining rights over Losing rights--I am compelled to give in.....

[RKP5637]

3. Always amazes me how some think a state vote should dictate civil rights for minorities.

Minorities often have their rights stomped on by the majority, there is often absolutely no fairness in state dictates/votes in matters such as this, or ... a national vote.

[nomorenomore08]

6. Opposition to interracial marriage was, what, 90% or so at the time of Loving v. Virginia?

Popular opinion certainly seems to have had little if anything to do with that decision.

[RKP5637]

7. Some cling to hatred, bigotry and persecution which adds no value to a society than those loving

such. Fortunately, some in authority see past that and rule for civil rights despite the majority opinion at various times in history!

[RKP5637]

2. Pure sanity for a change!!! n/t

[Iwillnevergiveup]

4. Michael McShane

is a people's judge - kudos to him. His words are monumental.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

5. Words to live by

"It is at times difficult to see past the shrillness of the debate. Accusations of religious
bigotry and banners reading "God Hates Fags" make for a messy democracy and, at times, test
the First Amendmentresolve.ofboth sides. At the core of the Equal Protection Clause, however,
there exists a foundational belief that certain rights should be shielded from the barking crowds;
that certain rights are subject to ownership by all and not the stake hold of popular trend or
shifting majorities.
My decision will not be the final word on this subject, but on this issue of marriage I am
struck more by our similarities than our differences. I believe that if we can look for a moment
past gender and sexuality, we can see in these plaintiffs nothing more or less than our own
families. Families who we would expect our Constitution to protect, if not exalt, in equal
measure. With discernment we see not shadows lurking in closets or the stereotypes of what was
once believed; rather, we see families committed to the common purpose of love, devotion, and
service to the greater community.
Where will this all lead? I know that many suggest we are going down a slippery slope
that will have no moral boundaries. To those who truly harbor such fears, I can only say this: Let
us look less to the sky to see what might fall; rather, let us look to each other ... and rise."
ORDER TO FOLLOW.