Oregon Anti-Gay Forces Up Attacks on GLBT Rights
Emboldened by the passage of Measure 36, anti-gay forces are not backing off their efforts to attack GLBT Oregonians.
New legislation introduced this week exposes another facet of a broader anti-gay agenda. And some of the same backers of Measure 36 are ramping up in unprecedented ways to organize against us.
During the No on 36 campaign, backers of the measure ran the most sweeping anti-gay campaign this country has ever seen. But, passing measure 36 was just the beginning. The Oregon Family Council, the notoriously anti-gay group which helped to launch the "Defense of Marriage Coalition," has - for the first time - hired a lobbyist to advance its anti-gay agenda in the Oregon Legislature.
In addition, a bill was introduced Monday, February 21 that is designed to permanently deny any current or future relationship rights for same-sex couples. Senate bill 799, which is sponsored by Senator George and Representative Sumner, would create Oregon law that bans not only same-sex marriage, but also civil unions, domestic partnerships and any "marriage substitute" that provides benefits and protections generally afforded through marriage. It would also prevent the state from recognizing any same-sex marriage or partnership entered into outside of the State of Oregon.
Anti-gay forces will not stop their relentless, mean-spirited attacks on GLBT Oregonians in the foreseeable future. We can't stop either. It is more important than ever to take action, get involved and ensure that the voices of fair-minded Oregonians overpower the efforts of a vocal anti-gay minority.
Visit Basic Rights Oregon for more information.
New legislation introduced this week exposes another facet of a broader anti-gay agenda. And some of the same backers of Measure 36 are ramping up in unprecedented ways to organize against us.
During the No on 36 campaign, backers of the measure ran the most sweeping anti-gay campaign this country has ever seen. But, passing measure 36 was just the beginning. The Oregon Family Council, the notoriously anti-gay group which helped to launch the "Defense of Marriage Coalition," has - for the first time - hired a lobbyist to advance its anti-gay agenda in the Oregon Legislature.
In addition, a bill was introduced Monday, February 21 that is designed to permanently deny any current or future relationship rights for same-sex couples. Senate bill 799, which is sponsored by Senator George and Representative Sumner, would create Oregon law that bans not only same-sex marriage, but also civil unions, domestic partnerships and any "marriage substitute" that provides benefits and protections generally afforded through marriage. It would also prevent the state from recognizing any same-sex marriage or partnership entered into outside of the State of Oregon.
Anti-gay forces will not stop their relentless, mean-spirited attacks on GLBT Oregonians in the foreseeable future. We can't stop either. It is more important than ever to take action, get involved and ensure that the voices of fair-minded Oregonians overpower the efforts of a vocal anti-gay minority.
Visit Basic Rights Oregon for more information.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at 9:24 PM.
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