Gay marriage activists in Oregon have
decided against an effort to put the state's gay marriage ban up for
a vote next year, The
Oregonian reported.
Basic Rights Oregon announced Wednesday
that it would not pursue the effort because “we don't yet have the
kind of consensus that would indicate a reasonable expectation of
success,” said Jeana Frazzini, the group's executive director.
The group had held several town hall
style meetings and had conducted an online survey on the issue before
deciding on whether to move forward.
Frazzini also said the weak economy
would make it difficult to raise the estimated $5 to $10 million
campaign price tag.
“There is just too much at stake
here,” she said. “Folks are up for the challenge but want to
have a sense that it is winnable.”
Voters in the state approved the gay
marriage ban in 2004.
Three years later, the Legislature
approved domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian couples, which
have been expanded to provide all the protections of marriage.