Current Headlines

Vermont Marriage Equality Victory Marks National Turning Point (04/09)

VERMONT MARRIAGE EQUALITY VICTORY MARKS
NATIONAL TURNING POINT

Oregon Gay Advocates Predict Domino Effect in Struggle for
Freedom to Marry, Contemplate Next Steps

(PORTLAND, OREGON, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2009) Today Vermont became the fourth state
in the nation to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. In a vote of the
legislature, Vermont established the freedom to marry.

Also today, the District of Columbia Council voted to recognize same-sex marriages
performed in other states.

These actions come just days after the Iowa Supreme Court handed down a unanimous
decision in favor of the freedom to marry, bringing marriage equality to America’s
heartland. Massachusetts and Connecticut already provide marriage rights to committed
same-sex couples.

Oregon gay rights advocates hailed these victories and predicted a domino effect across
the country – indicating that several other states will likely soon establish marriage
equality.

Jeana Frazzini, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon released this statement today:

“I am ecstatic to hear today’s news that the state of Vermont now treats
same-sex couples with dignity and respect.

“To think that in just one week two more states ended the exclusion of
same-sex couples from marriage. Marriage equality is on the march in
America.

“We’re going to see a domino effect now. In the coming weeks and months
we expect that even more states will uphold the freedom to marry. It’s only
a matter of time before Oregon joins this effort and begins to treat all caring
and committed couples with dignity and respect.”

Oregon currently offers domestic partnerships, which provide limited rights and
responsibilities to gay couples. But some advocates indicate that this system falls short of
provide the protections and dignity that come with marriage. In 2004, voters approved
Measure 36, which wrote marriage discrimination into the Oregon state constitution.

Oregon gay rights leaders are considering a ballot measure campaign to remove Measure
36 from the state constitution and pave the way to marriage equality. Basic Rights Oregon
is hosting an online discussion with community members to evaluate next steps.
Basic Rights Oregon is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide advocacy organization whose
mission is to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Oregon.
For more information, please visit our website at www.basicrights.org.

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