Three states have legalized gay marriage through the ballot box, and Minnesota voters said "hell to the no" to a constitutional ban against gay marriage. Could Oregon be the next state to see the light?
"Organizers are looking for the midterm election year, 2014, as the goal date for legalizing marriage equality through a ballot initiative. Currently the state offers domestic-partnership rights to gay couples, but voters also approved a ballot initiative to constitutionally ban same-sex marriage in 2004.
Basic Rights Oregon's Jeana Frazzini told the Religion New Service this week that Washington, Maine, and Maryland have set the stage for other progressive states to leave the decision up to voters.
"I am more confident than ever that we will be the first state to overturn a constitutional ban on marriage," she said."
Personally I think federal legalization of marriage equality would be better than state-by-state recognition. After all, if voters can giveth, can't they also taketh away? It's also less hassle on married gay couples to prove their status if they say, happen to go on vacation in a state that doesn't legally recognize their relationship. On the other hand, gay marriage becoming legal in multiple states is probably helping to change minds, and indirectly setting the stage for a federal law.
What do you think? Will Oregon be next?
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