Tina Kotek

The proposed law would ban interference in terminating a pregnancy, and would ensure full reproductive health care coverage, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Both supporters and opponents of marriage equality spoke out Monday about a federal judge’s ruling striking down Oregon’s ban on same-sex marriage. Both the Governor and the Attorney General supported the ruling, and the state previously declined to defend the ban in court.

Oregon state Rep. Tina Kotek was sworn in on Monday as her state’s Speaker of the House, becoming the first open lesbian to lead a legislative chamber in the United States. Kotek, a third term lawmaker from North Portland who took the oath of office with her partner, Aimee Wilson, by her side, called the historic occasion “humbling.”

SALEM, Ore. — After fiercely contested races around the state, Democrats are poised to take over Oregon’s House of Representatives with a 34-26 majority, clearing the path for the ascension of openly lesbian House Democratic Leader Tina Kotek to the Speaker’s chair.