I have just reviewed a case of some importance on the court's docket for next month. The case concerns the rights available to gay and lesbian couples in health related situations. In cases of irreversible comatose and vegetation, homosexuals do not have the right to make health decisions for their partners. That is right reserved for immediate family and spouses only. Currently under Oregon Constitution, marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman, not a man and a man or vise-versa. Therefore; homosexuals are left with little or no recourse other than seeking a court order from a federal judge.

The most important issue to consider when hearing this case, is a persons protection under the 14th Amendment. Article one of the 14th states, "nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." Two such examples are...