Multnomah County, Oregon Grants Marriage Rights

"The County Attorney recently provided her legal opinion that it is a violation of the Oregon Constitution to discriminate against individuals who apply for marriage licenses on the basis of their gender or sexual orientation. This county... will issue marriage licenses to same sex couples who request them. I took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the State of Oregon. I intend to do just that. I intend to celebrate the unions this will make possible." Multnomah County Chair Diane Linn, March 3, 2004

Mayor of New Paltz NY Grants Marriage Rights

"Upon becoming mayor... I took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the State of New York. I take this oath very seriously, particularly as it relates to my duty to conduct marriages. I firmly believe that it would be both unfair and contrary to the New York Constitution to deny the benefits and responsibilities afforded by marriage to same-sex couples. Two adults who decide to make the commitment of marriage should not be denied the protections of marriage." Mayor Jason West, New Paltz, February 28, 2004

Rosie O'Donnell Slams Prez

"I think the actions of the president are, in my opinion, the most vile and hateful words ever spoken by a sitting president." Rosie O'Donnell, February 26, 2004

Presidential Assault on Equal Rights

"Today the President of the United States, solely for political gain, called upon Congress to amend the United States Constitution to enshrine our second-class citizenship in the nation’s most revered document. This is a despicable new low." National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, February 24, 2004

Mayor of San Francisco Grants Marriage Rights

"Pursuant to my sworn duty to uphold the California Constitution, including specifically its equal protection clause, I request that you determine what changes should be made to the forms and documents used to apply for and issue marriage licenses in order to provide marriage licenses on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to gender or sexual orientation" (Letter to County Clerk). "California’s Constitution is clear: discrimination is immoral, it is illegal and it is antithetical to our most cherished values – liberty and freedom. Denying gays and lesbians the right to marry denies them more than a marriage license; it precludes millions of couples from obtaining health benefits, hospital visitation rights and pension privileges. There is no rationale for discrimination against any individuals in California.” Mayor Gavin Newsom, San Francisco, February 10, 2004