Basic Rights Oregon

Greetings,
Three weeks ago, I wrote to let you know that opponents of fairness in Oregon had filed ballot measures to try and repeal our new equality laws. Since that time, we've been dealing with the horrible remarks made by State Senator Gary George (R-McMinnville), one of the chief sponsors of this attack on equality. His hateful rhetoric has sent shockwaves through our state and our nation, inspiring many of you to provide critical financial support to our effort. Thank you.
We have also been deeply engaged in monitoring the process that Oregon's Secretary of State must go through to craft ballot titles for the measures. Our goal is to ensure that the ballot titles accurately inform voters about what these measures do and the impact they would have on Oregonians.
For instance, the domestic partnership repeal initiative not only takes away rights and protections Oregonians believe in, its effects would be retroactive and would ban any state or local law that legally recognizes same sex relationships. We know Oregonians believe in fairness and equality and will vote NO to defeat these measures -- as long as there is not a misleading ballot title.
But our elections work is not limited to these ballot measures. Our Equality PAC volunteers are working late nights this month to finalize our endorsements for the May 20th Primary Election.
With a heated primary just around corner - not to mention November's General Election - it's time to get our ducks in a row. It's time to make sure your voter registration is up to date. Have you moved since you last received a ballot? Do you need to update your party affiliation? The deadline to register is April 29, 2008, so don't wait. Visit this website to get registered!
In the next few weeks, we'll launch http://www.VoteEquality.com, the website for the Basic Rights Equality PAC full of information on our endorsements and green light candidates. We'll also be highlighting priority endorsements including Kate Brown for Secretary of State, Sam Adams for Portland Mayor and Regan Gray for House District 42.
And there's more to come. Want more information? Don't worry, we'll send out an email announcing the site launch.
Onward,
Jeana Frazzini
Executive Director
Basic Rights Oregon
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