OREGON: Same-Sex Marriage Activists Plan 2014 Ballot Measure

LGBT activists in Oregon say they will work to place same-sex marriage on the 2014 state ballot.

The state’s major gay-rights group, Basic Rights Oregon, made the decision over the weekend to launch a petition drive on Monday to put a measure on the ballot that would allow legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Given the group’s resources and the issue’s high visibility, there is little doubt the group can qualify the measure for the November general election. “I think people are really coming to understand that marriage is unique and special and you don’t want to deny that to anybody else,” said Jeana Frazzini, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon, after the group’s leaders and advisers met Sunday to finalize their decision to proceed.

Two months ago Public Policy Polling found that 54% of registered voters support same-sex marriage. That number will surely increase by November 2014.