DOMA IS DEAD

Carla Hanson

California's Prop. 8 is gone....

... and history is now in our hands in Oregon.

As a lesbian and a long time LGBT activist, I am both elated and committed to the work that defines our next steps. As with other movements of social justice, we stand on the powerful and brave shoulders of those that came before us - those that stuck up for us, often at considerable risk. Decades ago, Oregon leaders like Governor Barbara Roberts (then a Multnomah County Democratic PCP) and HRC Founder Terry Bean spoke eloquently and often for Gay Rights.

In the 70's Terry was already working on local Gay Rights ordinances and lobbying the Oregon Legislature. Gov. Roberts rose through the ranks of political office from the Parkrose School Board ultimately to the Governorship. At every step along the way, she was a champion for equality. At her second inauguration as Secretary of State, the Portland Gay Men's Chorus sang, marking the first time any state executive in the country was serenaded into office by an identified gay group.

In the 90's, a blitz of statewide anti-gay initiative efforts promoted by the now-defunct Oregon Citizen's Alliance was successfully thwarted every time by 1000's of Oregonians, straight and gay, who stood together as a force for GLBT civil rights. In the 2000's we began the decade defeating another anti-gay ballot measure (the second coming of Measure 9).

While the Rovian Measure 36 banning marriage equality in 2004 set us back on our heels, just a few years later, Employment Equality passed in the Oregon Legislature. When Gov. Kulongoski‎ signed Domestic Partnerships into law, the Portland Gay Men's Chorus again sang on the steps of our Salem Capitol Building.

Today, June 26, 2013, Oregon celebrates this national victory, and we will soon kick off the petition drive to effect another landmark decision in Oregon's ascension toward LGBT equality.

The work for marriage equality lies ahead in Oregon - directly ahead. An Oregon United for Marriage official stated today that Oregon is just a few weeks away from beginning the signature drive that is the first step in bringing marriage equality to 10s of thousands of Oregon couples.

To know more, come to TODAY'S rally at 5pm in Downtown Portland - Terry Schrunk Plaza, SW 3rd and Madison. It will be not just a festive celebration, but the kick-off for YOU to get involved.

Can't attend today?

Go to Oregon United for Marriage and sign up.

or

TOMORROW, 6/27, join us at the annual STONEWALL Celebration, 6pm, CRUSH at 1400 SE Morrison, brought to you by the LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Oregon. Click here and get your tickets today!

We'll be seeing A LOT of each other in the next 16 1/2 months! We ARE a force!

By Carla Hanson June 26, 2013