Medford, Ore. — Thousands of Oregonians across the state came together Tuesday night to celebrate a same sex marriage hearing being held in Eugene on Wednesday. They wanted to send their message they believe Oregon is ready for gay marriage.
Brandy MacDonald was one of those many supporters, who gathered at the Jackson County Courthouse. She said “it’s important to support equality for all of our neighbors.”
A federal judge will begin hearing oral arguments Wednesday afternoon on Oregon’s ban on same sex marriage. The group “National Organization of Marriage” supports the ban and filed a motion to postpone the hearing, but the judge denied it.
Vigils were held in 8 different cities, all shared the same message, Oregon is ready for marriage equality.
Caren Caldwell is the Associate Minister at the Medford Congregational United Church of Christ. She was at the vigil in Medford, she said “there’s important cultural changes happening right now in our country.” She wants to see same sex couples be allowed to get married. “People who live here and have family members and friends and neighbors who are gay and lesbian need to be treated the way that everybody else expects to be treated.”
Equal treatment is something Ashland resident Brandy MacDonald said she’s ready to see and something she hopes a federal judge will support. “We are active members of our community and we support other members of our community and we need the support of everyone and having equality for all people,” MacDonald said.
The judge said he will hold a second round of hearings May 14th at the request of the group trying to defend the ban. He also said he will not make a ruling untill then.
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