MARRIAGE continued from page 1 treatment for all citizens. If approved by the Supreme Court and voters this fall, the initiative would amend the Oregon Constitu tion to say: "It is the policy of Oregon, and its political subdivisions, that only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or legally recognized as a marriage." The Defense of Marriage Coalition will begin collecting signatures as soon as the ballot title gains final ap proval, according to a coalition press release. Tim Nashif of the Defense of Marriage Coalition said he doesn't ex pect any reconsideration requests, adding that any requests would be a misuse of procedure to stop the ballot initiative from going to voters. "It's almost unethical to do it," he said. "There's nothing to be reconsid ered." Nashif said the group is gearing up to collect signatures. "We consider ourselves right now in the petition-gathering stage," he said. Nashif also said he is hopeful that proponents will be able to gather enough signatures. He said his organ ization will pay close attention to "I think it seems more logical to be decided by the voters.... I don't think politicians deserve the right to decide something for this amount of people." Cody Wilson University sophomore making sure that petitioning guide lines are followed to ensure that valid signatures are collected. He added that he hopes citizens be come involved and give their input on the legality of same-sex marriage. "We would like them, if they feel deeply about this issue, to get in volved and help us gather signatures," Nashif said. Sophomore Cody Wilson said he feels taking the issue of gay marriage to voters is the right choice. "1 think it seems more logical to be decided by the voters," he said. "I don't think politicians deserve the right to decide something for this amount of people." Sophomore Erin Andrews dis agreed, saying the Supreme Court should decide the fate of same-sex marriage. "I think there's too many people who are still against it, so there'd be no chance for same-sex marriages to happen," she said. House Speaker Karen Minnis, R Wood Village, said last week that she will no longer bring up a similar measure designed to ban gay mar riage in a June special session, which was initially set to work on tax reform. Minnis said she hopes the removal of the contentious issue will encourage Democrats to meet. "Now that this issue is off the table for special session, I hope the Democrats, and particularly the Sen ate Democrats, will join us in June as we fulfill our duty to work on tax reform," Minnis said in a May 14 press release. "We have a great op portunity before us to enact mean ingful reforms — I hope the legisla ture will seize it." Dave Miller, chief of staff for the Senate Democratic Leadership Of fice, said Minnis' decision doesn't af fect the stance of his party, saying tax reform issues should be the focus of any special session that is called. "For us, we had never considered other issues aside from tax-reform (for the special session)," he said. Contact the city/state politics reporter at parkerhowell@dailyemerald.com. Advertise mtke ODE classifieds _Call 346-4343 or place your ad online www.dailyemerald.com DDLEF 942-8730 484-1927 STUDENT SPECIAL , GOLF 9 HOLES *10 § Students Only. Must show ID. (Monday - Friday) THIS BAND ALWAYS GETS A STANDING OVATION ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ From jazz to rock, show tunes to symphonies-plus, of course, the world’s greatest marches-Soldiers play music in the U.S. Army every day around the world. And when they play our national anthem, we all stand and cheer. Join the band. Call SFC Stripling at 345-3877 to arrange an audition. And find out about money for college plus other Army benefits. Or talk to a Recruiter at the Eugene Recruiting Station, Santa Clara Shopping Center in Eugene, OR. Monday - Saturday, 9=00 am - 6-00 pm. goarmy.com 02001. Paid for by the U.S. Army. All rights reserved. AN ARMY OF ONE Attention Duck Students, Faculty and Staff: The Value of Higher Education! Check out special academic discounts on ViewSonic* displays, PCs, TVs and more - all year round! It's easy to take advantage of the program. Simply visit ViewSonic.com/schooldeals for links to the College Student and Faculty & Staff Purchase Programs. Once on the site, you will be guided to accept an agreement certifying you are eligible. Check back often for new product list and price reductions. ‘Plus shipping and handling. See www.ViewSonic.com/schooldeals for complete details and ordering information. Quantities are limited Availability, prices and specdications sublet to change without notice. Limit 2 units per person per calendar year, excluding accessories. All purchases are for personal use only and not for resale Copyright ® 2004 ViewSonic Corporation. |l 1880-07 04/041 Tablet PCs to LCDs to TV/Video processors! a/rpaneT Smart Displays ViewMate* Collection Accessories TV/Video Processors Buy Now at ViewSonic.com/sc h oo I deals ViewSonic