Looking back: Year since same-sex marriage legalized

It’s been one year since Oregon’s gay marriage ban was struck down. The anniversary is reason to celebrate for Deschutes County’s first same-sex couple to apply for their marriage license.

George Jackson and Dale McCraken have been together for 21 years. They were actually married in 2004, before the law changed, and had a domestic partnership in ’08.

Now, they are celebrating their first year of marriage again.

On May 24th of last year, they sealed the deal in Pioneer Park with a small group of friends.

“There was a lot of people that eventually came around us and applauded and stuff so it was really kind of neat!” Jackson said Wednesday.

Sunday will mark one year of marriage, but February marks 21 years of love.

“I think people are getting used to it. I think there is more acceptance now,” Jackson said.

Another NewsChannel 21 viewer, Brent Bidot, agrees. He and his husband celebrated the ruling almost immediately.

“We have seen the power of love conquer the irrational fear of change,” he said in a statement.

Both couples recognize that nothing changes overnight.

“After it hit the news, and we were at Fred Meyers, and some people recognized us, and they would take a left turn,” McCracken said.

Groups like Oregon’s Family Council still oppose the law.

But for Jackson and McCracken, they have only heard support.

“No negative, no negativity at all. It’s been positive,” Jackson said.

The Oregon Family Council is still battling the ruling. The Christian group filed a state ballot initiative that would give businesses the option of refraining from participating in ceremonies for same-sex couples. No ruling has been made.