Statesman Journal
Peter Wong
http://community.statesmanjournal.com/blogs/capitolwatch/2011/11/09/basic-rights-oregon-decides-against-2012-campaignBasic Rights Oregon, which promotes equality for sexual minorities, has announced it will not pursue a 2012 ballot initiative that would remove Oregon's constitutional ban on marriage by same-sex couples. Voters approved such a ban in 2004 as Measure 36, which defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman. (Oregon already had a law on the books.)
excerpts from the BRO statement:
"We have considered the possibility of putting this issue on the ballot for the 2012 election. However several factors, including the expense of waging a statewide political campaign in the midst of an economic crisis, led us to conclude that we are better off extending our education campaign and building momentum for a later election.
"Ballot measures in Oregon have historically been used to attack the gay and transgender community. Today, we are finally in the driver's seat, deciding when to go forward with a proactive ballot measure to achieve equality, instead of just fighting back. That presents our community with a tremendous opportunity and an immense responsibility.
..."Today we re-commit ourselves to this effort. We're committed to opening a new dialogue with our friends, family and neighbors and, ultimately, winning the freedom to marry."
--------------------------------------
I am biased in this particular case, of course.
