Same-sex couples who marry outside of Oregon will have their unions recognized in the state. A new opinion from Oregon’s Department of Justice stated the change.
The state’s decision took effect immediately. It does not mean gay couples can marry in Oregon, but now the state recognizes legal marriages from other places.
Matt Shelby is with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.
“Really what this does is, it asks all state agencies to treat a same-sex couple, that has been legally wed in another state, the same as they would treat any other married couple that is a legal marriage.”
The Oregon Department of Justice is delivering this decision in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act.
A proposed ballot initiative for next year would overturn Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage.
Copyright 2013 Oregon Public Broadcasting