So, what's next for the marriage campaign?

Kari Chisholm

In the wake of last week's announcement that AG Ellen Rosenblum won't defend Oregon's discriminatory ban on same-sex marriage, a few things seem clear:

• Grassroots marriage activists want Oregon United to move ahead with the ballot measure to repeal our constitutional marriage ban. I don't have anything quantitative for you, but based on the conversations I've been having and watching the social media, it seems like an overwhelming consensus.

• I've reached out to the marriage campaign, and here's what I learned: They've not "suspended" their campaign (as WW reported). Rather, they're taking a moment to figure out next steps. And keep in mind, in addition to the measure that would remove the discriminatory ban from our constitution, there's a pro-discrimination measure that's been proposed as well -- so we've possibly got a two-front battle ahead too. It's not surprising that advocates are regrouping and strategizing based on a new political environment.

• And finally, I'm not sure how I missed this, but there are new poll numbers from the campaign. Support for the freedom to marry is at its highest point now -- with 55% support in Oregon. Check it out:

Of course, even as we're seeing 55% support now -- there's still 41% opposition. So, there's still a long way to go in Oregon to ensure that all Oregonians feel welcomed, no matter what happens in the courts.

All in all, I'm hopeful that Oregon United continues to push the campaign to remove discrimination from our constitution. Civil rights should have never been put up to a popular vote, but since they were and Oregonians voted to put discrimination in the constitution, we should reverse course now and vote to take it out.

By Kari Chisholm Feb. 24, 2014