OREGON: Justice Anthony Kennedy Requests Stay Briefs From Both Sides

Via the Oregonian:

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy said Wednesday that he wants more information before ruling on an attempt by the National Organization for Marriage to halt same-sex marriages in Oregon. Kennedy asked for briefs to be filed by 1 p.m. Monday from the parties in the two lawsuits that led to U.S. District Judge Michael McShane's May 19 ruling that allowed gays and lesbians to marry in Oregon. Kennedy, who hears emergency appeals from the region that includes Oregon, could issue a ruling on NOM's motion on its own or pass the issue on to the full court. At a minimum, Kennedy's action means that he wants more information on the case before he makes a decision. But it's hard to know whether NOM has a strong shot for its argument that the Supreme Court should get involved in the Oregon case because of its unusual nature.

Money-laundering NOM chairman John Eastman says Kennedy's action "is a very good sign."