Check it out, folks. Two of Oregon's finest (Oregon State Republican Senator Fred Girod and Republican State Representative Sal Esquivel) have filed an initiative to repeal Oregon's brand new Domestic Partnership law (went into effect on February 4 and 1,300 couples have registered statewide). I don't think I can come up with adequate adjectives to express my disgust, sadness, and -- yes -- even some hatred. Suffice it to say that I've been on this website already nosing around. You'll find two sections of articles from Blue Oregon and Basic Rights Oregon. The odd part of this whole deal is that Measure 36 (the Oregon law that defines marriage as one man and one woman) still stands. It doesn't change that law at all. They got what they want! And at that time, they had this to say to we homosexuals:
"Same-sex couples should seek marriage-like rights through another avenue, such as civil unions."-- Tim Nashif, Oregon Family Council Director and an organizer of the Measure 36 campaign, Bend Bulletin 8/20/2004
"If same-sex couples need legal protection, they should consult their legislative representatives. If they need legislation to do that, no one is going to stand in their way."-- Defense of Marriage Coalition Executive Director Mike White, Lincoln City News Guard 11/10/2004
"The Coalition's amendment did not preclude the state of Oregon from creating civil unions, so that same-sex couples could have the same rights as married heterosexual couples."-- Defense of Marriage Coalition Spokesperson Georgene Rice, The Dalles Chronicle 9/30/2004
So, we went about getting the Oregon Family Fairness Act passed. And they just don't like it. Just like kids on the playground, the pouting has started. My only consolation is that I believe the god they claim to serve wouldn't have a thing to do with them. Oh, their day of reckoning is coming -- and I'm afraid that it's not going to happen how they think it will. I think that Matthew 25 calls it the separation of sheep and goats.
I have included links to both of the lawmaker's websites above by clicking on their names. They need to hear from you. Please.
21 comments:
I am right in there with you Lewis on the "righteous indignation" over this crazy path these bigoted individuals have chosen to tear down our laws and subjugate them (and us) under their feet. WHEW! That is a perfect pic. with your post also. Wendy
Come to Holland, Lewis! Just get married here!
Yes, Lewis you are right. I think they are studying the wrong texts for the answers to the "final exam".
All of these "religious" types need a refresher course. In their fixation on gay marriage and other things, they need to hear the words of the one who had nothing good to say about those who "tithed the dill and cumin, but neglected the weighter matters of the Law [Torah]" and those who "strained on gnats and swallowed camels".
indeed, sheep and goats. we can't judge, but they are certainly behind the times especially behind our northern neighbour (spelled like they would). Not ALL Christians are like this, but the religious right certainly gives the majority of Christians a bad name. I hope that by the time I want to marry that we will have ratified gay/trans/bi/etc marriage. Hehe. Have a great week Lewis. Let's do coffee again soon.
i am sorry to hear about the 'more battle' news but i am not surprised.
it is harder to repeal laws when they are established; too many lawsuits from the angry 'no longer married' people.
I'm with Oscar, come to the Netherlands and get lawfully married, and if you want the blessings of a priest/reverend that can be arranged too.
Consider it done!
I read about this yesterday and it put my pataloons in a big bunch. Damm Damm Damm! Times are changing-- But we just have to keep the fight and pressure on and stay patient...Or move....I love Vancouver BC dont you? xoxo
Bloody nuisances. Again, an example of religion being used to not say 'I live a good life' but to say 'you live a bad life'.
Who are these judgmental fools? They need to take a look at their own sinning selves first before judging the rest of us.
That is RIDICULOUS. Can we lynch them? Would that be allowed?
Saw the news 5 minutes ago. Clinton and Obama both oppose same-sex marriages. I REALLY think you guys have no other options then move over here. The more fish in the pond, the better, right?
(Nice blog, Lewis ;-) )
The legislators in Salem have done this to whip up the GOP base here in Orefgon, pure and simple. The Oregon Republican Party is in bad shape, and they still, for some reason, think that whipping out the "gays will be the destruction of our society" in order to get their people to the polls. I have no doubt that they are hating bigots, but theor motive is more about protecting their seats than it is about us.
I have never seen a problem with
two people getting married. As long
as it is between two consenting
adults. People need to get lives
and worry more about what their
children are doing and what they
will cook for dinner. Keep their
noses to themselves. Cause if they
sneeze on me the fight is on.
Disgusting.
But, sadly, not surprising.
For the life of me I cannot figure out how people find civil unions so damn threatening. The voters of Oregon have spoken, let the will of the people be done!
Why am I not surprised at any of this Lewis? We've thought about the Canada option for years, especially during the early 90s and the rain of terror that the OCA poured down on all of us. I suppose some things never change, I just get bloody tired of having to fight for every f'n inch and then have them try to take a mile back. *sigh*
Sorry to hear about the new battle - but I agree with you. Who is going to be judged at the end of the day?
Keep the good fight going!
pity!
PS. Lunch and shopping! You drive?
Once again, I am hugely grateful for where I live.
I challenge everyone to ask a simple question to a hetero married couple you may know over the next few weeks. Simply ask "Did you know the state is changing the marriage laws in this state? Your marriage of __ years is propably not valid. How does this make you feel?"
It will be interesting to see their looks, hear their responses, and see their feelings. Report back here if you do!
Hey Lewis, I think you're absolutely right, and unfortunately the bigots just keep on coming. Oklahoma has it's hands full w/Sally Kearns and her anti gay rant. I still believe truth and love will prevail though.
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