discrimination slips in the back door

SO… exactly what is happening in Oregon? Well, unfortunately, what has come to be the “usual” since at least 2004. What kind of connections (money) do these individuals have (firmly in bed with one another) to be able to be granted a motion for an expedited review (slipped in the back door–perhaps because of the aforementioned parenthetical subliminal reasons) of the lawsuit that could undo the Domestic Partnership law in Oregon?

I like the way WW puts it:

“WTF? Domestic Partner Rights Opponents Get a Fast Pass from the 9th Circuit Court
What’s a decent, law-abiding queer couple to do?
Looks like the failed referendum against Oregon’s domestic partnership law is getting the equivalent of a ‘quick pass’ by the 9th Circuit Court.
What does that mean for gay couples like me and my partner who already have enjoyed the benefits of our domestic partnership?
We could get f*@#ed over big time come fall.”

Pretty much! What are the nuts and bolts of this debacle? Basic Rights Oregon, as always, taking on the charge for Oregon Equality:

“On April 29, the federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted plaintiffs’ motion for expedited review in Lemons v. Bradbury, the lawsuit filed by out-of-state groups seeking to revive last year’s failed referendum against Oregon’s domestic partnership law by forcing elections officials to change the way they treat signatures on voter petitions. The original review schedule set by the Court likely would have resulted in a decision sometime next year, but this order means the case could be decided as early as July.

In their motion, the plaintiffs argued that they are likely to prevail, and that the Court should decide the case in time to place their referendum before voters on the November ballot. Attorneys for the State of Oregon and Basic Rights Oregon filed memos in opposition to the motion.

Plaintiffs’ opening brief in the appeal will now be due on May 13, with defendants’ response due June 3 and plaintiffs’ reply due on June 10.

Basic Rights Oregon is committed to defending Oregon’s domestic partnership law. We believe discrimination is wrong, and we know that a majority of Oregonians agree with us. Basic Rights Oregon will continue to do whatever is necessary to preserve these fundamental protections for Oregon families.”

Looks like July will be the month for answers on the fate of Oregon’s Anti-discrimination and Domestic Partnership laws and whether they are up for a vote. Let’s hope for a REAL “Independence day” celebration where everyone in Oregon can celebrate freedom.

domestic partnership

Marriage & Relationship Recognition

GLBT