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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (June 18, 2004)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- -------------- June 18.2004 • m m n T m in ew s fter failing to collect enough sig natures to qualify for the ballot, the Oregon Christian Coalition has abandoned its attempt to recall Multnomah County Chair Multnomah County commissioners can rest easy— (or the time being Diane Linn and Commissioners Maria Rojo Radosta de by Jim Steffey, Lisa Naito and Serena Cruz. The or ganization targeted the commissioners after they decided March 3 to end discrimination in the not have to allow petitioners to gather issuance of marriage licenses. signatures outside its stores. The coalition missed the June 7 deadline to submit the 37,000 signatures needed to place Study Finds Anti-Gay Measures the recall on the ballot. According to The Asso Psychologically Harmful ciated Press, executive director John Belgarde said about 35,000 signatures were gathered. \ \ 1 slate wa*ts to see whether But the commissioners shouldn’t breathe easy an anti-gay measure will qualify for just yet. The coalition is promising to attempt the fall ballot, a new report shows that another signature effort later this year to place a these campaigns may carry significant recall on the fall ballot. In addition, Naito faces a negative psychological and social conse runoff in November in order to retain her seat. quences. Research released June 3 by the Pride Northwest will honor the commission Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic ers with a special Champions of Pride Award at Studies finds that referenda on same-sex 6:25 p.m. June 19 in Waterfront Park. marriage can affect the lives of both queer and heterosexual people in several ways. B R O Issues Action Alert According to Glenda Russell, author of the report and acting executive direc- . , tor of the institute, “These elections ere- •>ohn Oregon Christian Coalition executive he Defense of Marriage Coalition— which ate htgh levels of psychological and director, rallies against same-sex marriage March 13 has until July 2 to collect more than A R ecall E ffort F ails 100,000 signatures to qualify a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage for the fall ballot— has been sending petitioners to Wal-Marts across the state, according to a June 10 action alert from Basic Rights Oregon. The nonprofit organization is encouraging supporters to call their local store, corporate headquarters (800-W A L -M A R T ) and the W al-M art C haritable Foundation (800-530-9925) and tell them to put a stop to this practice. BRO notes that Wal-Mart does I social stress for many I.G BT individuals in Pioneer Courthouse Square as well as for the children of lesbian and gay “These research findings indicate that states families.” Studies have demonstrated that these may pay a heavy social price for putting the elections can lead to increased anxiety, depres- rights of any group up for a vote,” said Lee Bad- sion, alienation and isolation in queers. gett, the institute’s research director. Earlier ballot measures on same-sex marriage In addition, political science research indicates and other gay-related issues frequently resulted that voting on rights for minority groups tends to in divided communities, with hostile rhetoric a increase prejudices that divide members of the corn- mainstay of such campaigns. The political fight munity. These elections also allow majority rule to often reinvigorated old stereotypes and led to make decisions that have a significant effect on the deep divisions within families and communities. I day-to-day lives of people who are in the minority. Ju st The report, The Dangers o f a Same-Sex Mar riage Referendum for Community and Individual Well-Being, compiles and analyzes results of roughly 30 studies and accounts of referenda on gay issues in eight states. Data were drawn from a variety of sources including surveys, inter views, analyses of campaign materials, mental health indices and other research strategies. Call for Submissions new project is under way to capture the stories of empowerment and personal transformation that resulted from the history making 3,000-plus same-sex marriages in Mult nomah County earlier this year. Buoyed by a Sea o f Love, Powered by Winds o f Justice is being compiled by Roey Thorpe of Basic Rights Oregon, the Rev. Tara Wilkins of the Community of Welcoming Congregations and Holly Pruett, a longtime community organizer and writer. They hope to hear from members o f the sexual minorities community whose relationships finally were legally vali dated, their families and the officiants who wed them. Submissions should be 1,500 words or less. Writers should include their complete name, age, race/ethnicity (to help ensure a diverse col lection), address, phone number, e-mail address and photograph. Stories become the property of the editors. They will try to use every entry depending on the number of responses. Send submissions by June 30 to book® welcomingcongregations.org. If electronic submission is a barrier, or you would prefer to share your story orally, e-m ail tara® welcomingcongregations.org. jR A College Savings Plans Comprehensive Financial Planning Mutual Funds Investing Retirement PLanning IRAs, Roth IRAs, Rollovers Life & Disability Insurance* Tax Advantaged Investments Estate Tax Analysis Long Term Care Insurance* OUt 21 Offered through arrangements with insurance companies WADDELL Financial Services ia i A d v is o r
