Benton County, Oregon is about to start handing out marriage licenses to gays and lesbians. The decision has drawn the support of local leaders from the United Church of Christ.

The Rev. Liz Oettinger of First Congregational United Church of Christ said her church has been officiating same-sex unions for 13 years, and that the church supports all committed relationships.

"The Bible calls Christians to fight against the forces of prejudice and the disregard of persons," she said.

The Corvallis Gazette-Times reports that the decision was opposed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Suburban Christian Church.