Campaign Against Same-Sex Marriage Ban Will End Ballot Initiative Drive If Judge Overturns Oregon Law by May 23

Nike, Others File Brief Supporting Same-Sex Marriage

Oregon United for Marriage told a federal judge today that if he overturns a state ban on same-sex marriage by May 23, the campaign will not move forward with ballot initiative to repeal the ban in November.

"If the Initiative qualifies for the ballot and is approved by the voters, same-sex couples in Oregon would be granted the right to marry," Oregon United for Marriage wrote in a brief filed in U.S. District Court. "However, if the court grants plaintiffs' motions in the near future, the Initiative may become unnecessary."

If U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane overturns the ban in court, "Oregon United for Marriage will not proceed with the subsequent political campaign. However, if a ruling is delayed, then the initiative campaign may go forward."

Meanwhile, Nike and more than 35 other businesses and institutions signed on to a brief today supporting four Oregon couples seeking to overturn the state's ban on same-sex marriage. 

Businesses "become the unwilling face of marriage inequality in the eyes of their current and potential employers," the brief, filed in U.S. District Court reads "This imposes additional confusion, costs and administrative burdens, which further harm Oregon businesses and their employees."

Nike was joined in its brief by Oregon's largest universities and some major businesses, including NW Natural and Portland General Electric, Starbucks, Powell's Books, Columbia Sportswear and Intel.

Today is the final day for parties to submit briefs in support of the same-sex couples seeking the right to marry in Oregon. A federal judge will hear oral arguments later this month in Eugene. 

 

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