An Anti-Gay Marriage Judge from Washington County is Retiring

Portland Mercury:

Washington County Circuit Court Judge Thomas W. Kohl—the second Oregon judge to refuse to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples based on his religious beliefs—is retiring.

A news release from Governor Kate Brown announced Kohl's retirement and thanked him for his service. The LGBTQ community, on the other hand, is likely rejoicing about the announcement.

Judge Kohl was appointed to the bench in Washington County, Oregon, by Governor John Kitzhaber in April of 1997. Kohl’s retirement takes effect December 31, 2015.

Marion County Circuit Judge Vance Day became the first Oregon judge to publicly acknowledge he wouldn't perform gay weddings weddings because of his religious beliefs. Day's refusal to perform the marriages—the validity of which was upheld by a landmark US Supreme Court decision—was part of the basis for a monthslong investigation by the state Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability.

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