A year before Oregonians will decide whether same-sex couples have the freedom to marry, at least 3,000 marriage supporters are gathering this weekend at house parties across the state, including Astoria, Bend, Eugene, Grants Pass, La Grande, Portland and Salem.
The house parties will spark conversations about why marriage matters, and attendees will get an update on the campaign. So far, more than 104,908 signatures have been collected for the Freedom to Marry and Religious Protection Initiative.
“It’s going to take all of us to win the freedom to marry, and people across the state are excited to talk to their neighbors, friends and family about why marriage matters,” said Justin Palabate, Oregon United for Marriage house party coordinator.
To put the initiative on the November 2014 ballot, 116,284 valid signatures are due in July. The vast majority of the signatures have been gathered by volunteers. Signatures have been gathered in every county of the state, and each signature is an opportunity for Oregon voters to have a conversation about why marriage matters to all loving and committed couples, including same-sex couples.
Oregon United for Marriage just hired Mike Marshall as the campaign manager, bringing his years of leadership in statewide races — including pioneering work on the freedom to marry — to Oregon. And a growing list of faith, business, political, nonprofit and LGBT organizations have endorsed the campaign. To find out more about the campaign, including how to host a house party or endorse, go to www.OregonUnitedForMarriage.org.
