Bigots Return To The Ballot
While we all await an update from the Merc on the plan to refer domestic partnerships (pronounced “marriage”) to the ballot, meet Jack Brown, Jr., the petitioner with whom they’ve apparently spoken. He would appear to be “[a] God-fearing man [who] has been very active in each of the area churches that he has attended as an adult over the years”, and “has also been active in two organizations especially dedicated to a more informed electorate: The John Birch Society, which he served as a chapter leader for two different local chapters; and Oregon Citizens Alliance, which he has served as County Deputy Director and County Director in Josephine County.”
Addendum: It would seem by the timestamp that Theo actually had this three hours ago.
He said he decided to launch the referral effort because he sees the two laws defying the spirit of Measure 36, a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2004 that declares marriage as legally valid only between a man and a woman. The domestic partnership law also unfairly leaves out other couples who head households but cannot marry, such as two sisters, he said.
“Even though the Legislature knew what the intent of the voters was, they ignored it,” he said. “I want to give voters the chance to affirm what their spirit was when they approved Measure 36.”
Let me be the first and likely the only person to say this bluntly to the people of Oregon: This is what happens when you’re stupid enough to allow yourselves to walk alongside the state’s bigots in order to put Measure 36 on the ballot, and then pass it, in the first place.