Gay rights advocates in Oregon are cheering the New York Legislature's passage of a gay marriage bill. New York now joins Vermont, New Hampshire, Iowa, Connecticut and Massachusetts as states that permit same-sex couples to marry. State representative Tina Kotek said she was elated, but thought Oregon has more political hurdles to cross before facing a similar vote. Kotek is an openly-gay lawmaker, and counts herself among those who would like to be married.
"The Oregon situation is unique. We would have to amend our constitution to allow equality here in the state. Any momentum in other states will help us. When we're ready, we'll have that campaign," Kotek said. Oregonians passed Measure 36 in 2004. The measure inserted language in the state Constitution, limiting marriage to heterosexual couples. The advocacy group, Basic Rights Oregon, said it was laying the groundwork for a repeal campaign, possibly as soon as 2012, but has no set timeline.