THE MESSAGE

Winning Marriage Equality on Our Terms

Even in states with anti-gay constitutional amendments, we can move on measures to protect family relationships, change the climate, and overcome the obstacles to achieve marriage equality.

• In states where we so far lost the ballot-measure campaigns, we can now have the real campaigns to change hearts, minds, and the law, on our terms. We can talk about real people, and make use of the powerful shared vocabulary of love, commitment, dedication, family, and caring that comes with marriage. People who were stampeded to write discrimination into state constitutions before they had time to think it all through will now hear personal, local stories, and buyers' remorse will set in.

The Report The Money behind the 2004 Marriage Amendments (The Institute on Money in State Politics) January 27, 2006	The Resource The Time is Now to Fight for the Freedom to Marry Freedom to Marry
The Number 53% of American voters oppose amending the United States Constitution to include marriage discrimination	The Map State Prohibitions on Marriage for Same-Sex Couples (HRC)

THE SPOTLIGHT: Oregon

Basic Rights Oregon

Just two and a half years after marriage discrimination was written into the Oregon constitution, measures toward marriage are now moving forward in the state's legislature. According to the interim director of Basic Rights Oregon, Aisling Coghlan, "[After the constitutional amendment passed in 2004], as a community, everyone said, 'we are not stopping here! We are going to get the biggest package of rights possible.'"

Last week, the resilience paid off. House bill 2007, establishing domestic partnerships, passed the House and now moves to a Senate Committee, with Senate approval expected and signature by Governor Kulongoski promised. The marriage momentum also propelled passage of a statewide non-discrimination law, the nation's 18th. Oregon's perseverance and rapid advance in overcoming even a constitutional attack on equality is an example of what happens when we stick with the engagement necessary to give people the information they need and the time to absorb it.

THE NEWS

For the latest news, opinions, and polls, including these articles, check out our website.

National

Some Say Civil Unions Dropping Off
USA Today; April 20, 2007
As more states move closer to legalizing civil unions, many gay and lesbian couples continue to hold out for marriage.

Marriage Still Overcoming Past
Examiner; April 19, 2007
The reality is that marriage has always been an evolving institution. Consider: In Colonial Maryland, marriage was limited to couples complying with the mandates and liturgy of the Church of England.

Regional

N.H. Governor Says He'll OK Civil Unions
New York Times; April 20, 2007
Gov. John Lynch said Thursday he will sign legislation establishing civil unions for gay couples in New Hampshire.

150 Clergy Members Rally for Marriage Equality
New Haven Register; April 20, 2007
Pro-LGBT clergy members gather at the Connecticut State Capitol to support marriage equality.