Oregon Attorney General Rules Against Backers of Anti-Gay ‘Religious Freedom’ Ballot Measure

[William769]

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum sided against proponents of an Oregon ballot measure that would allow faith-based exemptions to non-discrimination laws, The Oregonian reports.

Proponents had avoided ballot measure language that mentioned the word ‘discrimination’ in their ‘Protect Religious Freedom Initiative’.

Rosenblum disagreed, issuing a ballot title that reads:


“Religious belief” exceptions to anti-discrimination laws for refusing services, other, for same-sex ceremonies, “arrangements”

This was the language sought by opponents of the ballot measure such as Oregon United for Marriage as it “makes clear this measure creates exemptions to non-discrimination laws.” Ballot supporters such as Friends of Religious Freedom, however, object to the title, claiming that the mention of discrimination is “politically charged” and that the unfair wording will stigmatize the measure. It’s very likely they’ll appeal to the Oregon Supreme Court.

http://www.towleroad.com/2014/03/oregon-attorney-general-sides-against-religious-objection-ballot.html

[longship]

1. Good. Can't believe that this would pass in Oregon.

But it's great that if it has to be on the ballot that it will read accurately as to its effects.
R&

[William769]

2. Agreed.

[Lizzie Poppet]

5. We're something of "a state divided."

Last edited Thu Mar 20, 2014, 11:21 AM - Edit history (1)

Those parts of Oregon that aren't the Willamette Valley, Ashland, and maybe part of Bend can be pretty darned conservative, and it's often a notably religious variety of conservatism. Oregon seems very "blue" because our urban population is big enough to tip presidential elections that way (and because we have some pioneering progressive reforms to be proud of). However, the numbers gap isn't that large. We've elected Republican senators, governors, etc...and the state legislature is often too close to call. Ballot measures like that can get passed here, particularly in non-presidential years.

I very much doubt such a measure would pass constitutional muster even if it passed. This is a problem with our ballot initiative system, actually: blatantly unconstitutional stuff that should never make it to a vote can actually pass, causing a huge waste of money when the Attorney General is forced to make some sort of (doomed) defense of the measure in court.

[davidpdx]

22. It can even get passed in years with a presidential election

Look at 2004 when measure 36 got passed. It is absolutely madding. I'm overseas and voted. When I saw the election results I was just shocked. I was like what the ****?

Hopefully this year it will be resolved.

[Zorra]

3. I feel sorry for these people. Their entire lives are consumed by hatred for us.

The atmosphere in their churches would probably make any decent person nauseous.

[William769]

4. Yes it would.

[leftieNanner]

11. Such un-Christian Attitudes...

from those who profess to be Christians. Any honest reading of the Gospels would preclude this kind of behavior. Jesus just wasn't that kind of guy. I'm a Southern Oregon Episcopalian and we proudly support the Marriage Equality initiative currently in process in our state. Glad this "Family" initiative is getting the title it deserves.

[closeupready]

21. Do NOT be fooled. This is (and always has been) about $$$.

The more hatred they support and validate, they more $ they make in donations.

[sheshe2]

6. I am sick of these people hiding behind their "religion".

I am glad the language was changed to show what it is really all about. Thank you AG Rosenblum.

Thanks for the news, William!

[central scrutinizer]

7. Springfield, Oregon was the first!

Back in 1992, Springfield (right across the river from Eugene) passed the first anti-gay ordinance in the country.

http://www.qrd.org/qrd/usa/oregon/1992/springfield

Despite the failure of Ballot Measure Nine, Oregon still has the nation's first
anti-gay ordinance, which passed earlier in the year in the logging town of
Springfield. Measure 20-08 bans laws that protect gays and lesbians from
discrimination, as well as prevents the city of Springfield from "facilitating"
homosexuality.

Loretta Neet, local sponsor of the measure for the Oregon Citizen's Alliance
(OCA), claims that the ban has had no adverse effects to Springfield. Scott
Lively, OCA Spokesperson, claims that Springfield has experienced a growth
spurt since passage of Measure 20-08. Springfield's Mayor Bill Morrisette
claims that the initial outrage over the measure has subsided, and that they
receive only letters of praise for their pioneering work in discrimination. Lon
Mabon, Executive Director of the OCA, has pledged to export their anti-gay
legislation to neighboring states, including Washington and California.

[glinda]

8. Also just another attempt to drain money from resources. Business as usual.

But good call for sure but it will not stop until they are charged with the costs.

[dickthegrouch]

9. It would be wonderful to get "Religious Beliefs" codified

as "establishments of religion" against which the State constitution says congress shall make no law.

[theHandpuppet]

10. Lovely folks, these anti-gay bigots

Just what you'd expect:

Facebook page for these religious bigots:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stand-Up-For-Religious-Freedom-Oregon/339022402841028

Their “Protect Religious Freedom Initiative":
https://www.oregonfamilycouncil.org/2013/11/21/protect-religous-freedom-initiative/

[DeadLetterOffice]

12. It should not be possible in this country...

...to have a voter referendum (essentially what ballot measures are) against BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS.
It consistently boggles my mind, and pisses me right the hell off, that anyone thinks it's ok to put discrimination to a Vote. GAH!
/rant

[blkmusclmachine]

13. Good. Because once the Bible-beaters are lawfully untethered from Civil law, they WILL EXPAND beyond

discrimination against gay American citizens, to discrimination against

unwed mothers,

people on public assistance,

Atheists,

humanists,

secularists,

Lefties,

environmentalists,

DEMS,

women with short hair,

men with facial hair,

people who work on Sundays,

minor children,

racial and ethnic minorities,

etc.

[Cha]

14. Yay, Oregon! Thanks William!

[William769]

15. Thanks Cha.

I have been coding again this evening, so I have been a little absent.

[Cha]

16. I should be a little absent.. I'm

driving myself crazy. Time for a break!

[William769]

17. Already been there & done that!

[Cha]

18. Did ya get in the

courthouse twice with two juries having your fate in the balance?

[CubicleGuy]

19. A meme needs to be created...

... that uses the cantina bartender's line in Star Wars Episode IV with regard to the droids: "We don't serve their kind here."

(And, for what it's worth, the actor who said that line passed away in 2001.)

[awoke_in_2003]

20. K&R

the train keeps a rolling.