Salem-News.com Federal articles Page 2

Senate Passes Reforms to NSA Programs, Including End Secret Law Legislation

Reforms should help protect American citizens' privacy.

(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, the U.S. Senate passed the USA Freedom Act, legislation that will enact reforms to sweeping NSA spying programs for the first time since those programs were put in place more than a decade ago.

The legislation includes a provision modeled on Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley’s “no secret law” bill that would put an end to secret interpretations of law made by the FISA Court.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Oregon Ban on Marriage for Same-Sex Couples

“After years of working in every way possible way to bring the freedom to marry to Oregon, today is a historic day,” said Vanessa Usui.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - “Today Oregon joins the increasing number of states in embracing the freedom to marry for all,” said Rose Saxe, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project.

“This decision brings us one step closer to ensuring that all loving and committed couples will be able to take care of each other and their loved ones with the protections and dignity that only come through marriage.”

Marriage Equality Lawsuit: Judge to issue a decision for Oregon Monday

Some counties prepared to start issuing licenses right away

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The federal judge in Oregon’s marriage equality lawsuit said he plans to issue an opinion at noon on Monday.

If Judge Michael McShane strikes down Oregon’s law excluding same-sex couples from marriage, all loving and committed couples in Oregon could be granted the freedom to marry. "We don't know which way the judge will rule, but we are hopeful that Oregon is on the verge of making history—and that by next week..."