http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=672171
PORTLAND, Ore. Apr 14, 2005 — The Oregon Supreme Court on Thursday nullified nearly 3,000 marriage licenses issued to gay couples a year ago by Portland’s Multnomah County, saying a county cannot go against state matrimonial law.
“Oregon law currently places the regulation of marriage exclusively within the province of the state’s legislative power,” the high court said in its unanimous ruling.
The court said state law bans gay marriage. It also noted Oregon voters approved a constitutional amendment last November that even more explicitly prohibits the practice.