A district judge struck down Oregon’s ban on same-sex marriage this week, which means couples like Sarah Huffman of the Portland Thorns and longtime partner Abby Wambach can make it official. In an order effective immediately, Judge Michael McShane ruled that the ban violated the federal constitutional rights of gays and lesbians.
“In our city we can get caught up feeling like we have all the same rights and we don’t,” Huffman said in a May 19 article in the The Oregonian. “Today will be a really awesome day for Oregonians and it will be exciting.”
Huffman and her partner are rejoicing following the decision, as are many other Oregonians. Case in point: At the game Saturday the Timbers Army (fan base) flaunted a large rainbow flag adorned with the words “love, respect, equality.” A banner also read “football fans against homophobia.”
Last fall, the Timbers and Thorns became the first major U.S. professional sports club to endorse a same-sex marriage ballot campaign when they formally voiced their support of the Freedom to Marry and Religious Protection Initiative.
The Timbers and Thorns are active in voice and action in the Oregon community in a number of ways. Joined by the Timbers, the Thorns commit to acts of community service during a week each year. In 2012 and 2013, Stand Together Week participants dedicated 4,212 hours of service at 58 events benefiting youth and the environment in the Portland Metro area. Nonprofit partners included Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia NW, Portland YouthBuilders, and Friends of Trees, etc. This year they will be active in the community June 16-22.