EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) -- Collecting consensus across the state, a stop in Western Oregon this weekend for one of the largest groups in Oregon fighting to repeal the state’s ban on gay marriage.
More than 30 people took part in a Basic Rights Oregon town hall meeting Saturday, November 5th, 2011, at the First Christian Church in downtown Eugene.
Basic Rights Oregon is touring the state during the month of November to gather public input about when to put a marriage equality measure on the state ballot.
By the end of November 2011, Basic Rights Oregon says it will decide whether or not it will go for the November 2012 ballot, or the November 2014 ballot.
Oregon voters banned gay marriage back in 2004 by passing a state constitutional amendment with a 57% vote.
Basic Rights Oregon believes the climate is changing though.
“More people are coming to embrace the freedom to marry for same sex couples. We've seen tremendous progress in the state just in the last, you know, 5 or 6 years with the statewide non-discrimination law, anti-bullying statutes, a lot of terrific work has been happening and this is really a part of continuing that progress,” says Jeana Frazzini, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon.
If the group tries for a marriage equality amendment for November 2012, it will need to gather around 120,000 signatures to get it on the ballot.
The group is holding similar town halls throughout the state through November 16th, 2011. For a schedule of the town halls, visit the following link: http://www.basicrights.org/featured/basic-rights-to-hold-town-halls-on-path-to-marriage-equality/.
