Same-sex marriage advocacy groups had yet another victory in 2014! An Oregon judge has ruled that the state’s ban on gay marriage was infringing on the Constitutional rights of same-sex couples and struck down the law. By striking the law, U.S. District Judge Michael McShane has made it legal for gay couples to marry, and the ceremonies can start virtually right away.

While the Attorney General of the State, Ellen Rosenblum, can technically appeal the decision, she has said she does not plan to do so, and Oregon will have joined the other 19 states in the Union now allowing some form of gay marriage.

It was only ten years ago that Oregon had passed the aforementioned law banning gay marriage, but in that time, public opinion on same-sex marriage rights has increased dramatically — both within the State as well as nationally. For example, in 2004, only 31% of the country supported gay marriage. This year, 57% — well over half the population — thinks same-sex couples should be afforded the same marriage rights as straight couples.

It’s absolutely invigorating to see such a jump in public support for equality! With a growing number of states supporting same-sex marriage, and an encouraging tone from the Obama administration on the fight for equality, it seems like only a matter of time before the rest of the states fall in line, and this becomes an issue of the past!