Basic Rights Oregon will soon decide whether to pursue a 2012 ballot measure on marriage equality and I find myself torn. When it comes to issues of equality and injustice, I have always said to my children that you can never wait for a convenient time – we must keep fighting in every way we can.
Nevertheless, I am reluctant to go into battle again. My family was on the front lines of the 2004 campaign in a very public way — in countless media interviews and ads, as well as participating in the roller coaster of two lawsuits against the State for the right to marry. I well know the costs emotionally, personally and financially that this battle brings. The opposition is always ugly and ready to fight tooth and nail. And there’s no guarantee of winning.
I remember, too well, the days after the 2004 election, standing in the grocery store looking at people with distrust and pain wondering which among them voted against me and my family. And I remember the hurtful words within our own community turning on each other, second guessing and blaming our leaders and organizations for the loss rather than the voters.
Click here for gay wedding resources in Oregon.
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