I wrote extensively in this week’s paper about the move in Central Oregon — and throughout the state — to test the waters for a ballot measure that would negate 2004’s Measure 36, the move that defined marriage in our state constitution as between a man and a woman.
Well, as it turns out, Basic Rights Oregon, the group that would be heading up the effort, announced just today that they will not be placing a marriage equality measure on the 2012 general election ballot.
Here’s part of the statement from BRO’s board of directors:
For three years, Basic Rights Oregon has led a proactive community education campaign to build public support for the freedom to marry for all caring and committed couples. We have reached out to our neighbors in communities across the state, engaged in thoughtful conversations, and shared our stories in TV ads and online.
This work is opening hearts and changing minds. Every day more and more Oregonians are coming to support the freedom to marry.
In Oregon, the only path to allowing same-gender couples to join in civil marriage is through the ballot. It is not a question of if we will cross this threshold, but when.
Read the entire statement here.
This article appears in Nov 10-16, 2011.
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Who cares if they get married? Why shouldn’t they have to suffer like the rest of us?
Equal rights, not special rights. The gay community has more rights than the average person. If they want their same sex unions to be recognized as legal marriage, then why not legalize polygamy! Same for health care and pension benefits. If gays can get health insurance or retirement benefits through their spouses, then so should polygamists. By polygamist, I mean legally adult age people.