Marriage Equality

In 2004, Ballot Measure 36 wrote a ban on marriage equality into the Oregon Constitution. Despite the setback, the LGBT community came together to lay a foundation for future conversation and policy so committed gay and lesbian couples can join in civil marriage.

Since 2008, same-sex couples have been able to enter into domestic partnerships, which offer a portion of the responsibilities and protections of marriage, but are recognized only in Oregon. And nothing says love, commitment and responsibility like marriage. The path to equality for same-sex couples lies only through repealing Measure 36 at the ballot.
 
Equality advocates Basic Rights Oregon have been engaged in a broad, statewide education campaign to reach out across the state, encouraging Oregonians to talk to their family and friends and think anew about why marriage equality matters to them.
 
“Why does marriage matter? It says, “we’re family” in a way that no other word does. Gay and lesbian couples may not seem the same, but have similar hopes and dreams, challenges and joys.

These couples want to stand before their friends, family and the community and publicly acknowledge a lifelong commitment to care for one another through good times and bad − and be kept to that promise.

And there are many ways that only marriage can allow you protect and care for the people you love.  

But while these values are universal, thousands of gay and lesbian couples in Oregon are denied the right to marry. And that goes against another value Oregonians hold dear: treat others as you would like to be treated. And that is why marriage equality has Oregonians talking.” [From Basic Rights Oregon]

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