Court Upholds "Discrimination" Language in Anti-Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Measure

A Rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, March 2013

The Oregon Supreme Court today affirmed disputed language in a ballot initiative that would allow businesses to refuse service to same-sex couples seeking to wed. The proposal's backers appealed language approved by the Attorney General's office that referenced the word "discrimination." 

Opponents of same-sex marriage, backed by the Oregon Family Council, have said they might not pursue the campaign if the court did not agree to change the language, which repeatedly uses the word "discrimination." Neither campaign spokesman Teresa Harke could be reached for comment.

The campaign's attorney Shawn Lindsey says they will review the language and make an announcement in the next few days about how they plan to proceed. But "from everything I'm aware of, this is moving ahead," he tells WW.

Supporters of same-sex marriage last week launched a preemptive campaign against the initiative.

You can read the complete ballot title here.

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