Over the weekend we were at a BBQ with a group of our local lesbian friends. And inevitably the topic of the most recent threats to Oregon Domestic Partnerships came up. I was surprised at how pessimistic several of the ladies were!
Last week, on July 8th a panel of 3 judges from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments from both sides of Lemons v. Bradbury. Basic Rights Oregon seems to be attempting to stay as optimistic as I am trying to remain.
There are folks on both sidelines of Lemons v. Bradbury who feel very strongly about the whole issue.
For the opposition we’ve got David Crowe and Restore America, and also the Alliance Defense Fund (with James Dobson). Last week, Blog Out posted a letter from David Crowe who seemed more than angry about the way this whole process has been handled (always interesting considering Crowe doesn’t even live in Oregon). It is worth a read… click here to read it over at Repeal Watch. Capitol 3 Conservatives reports how R.A. and A.D.F. believe that the media has “distorted” the case against the Oregon Elections Division.
From the other side of the issue, here is an article from the Gay and Lesbian Times and another commentary detailing how the judges didn’t seem to be buying into the oppositions arguments. Q Portland has interesting coverage of the nuts and bolts of Lemons. There is coverage over at HRC as well: “Here They Go Again.”
Wherever you read news on this story, all agree that it may be weeks before we hear the final decision, and so we all await the fate of same-sex unions in Oregon… again. I think that is why it is so hard for some to remain optimistic.
domestic-partnership
same-sex-relationships
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Oh I can really understand the pessimistic thinking
about that. It just seems for every step forward
there is some dumb fudder knocking ya three
steps back.
I like that the judges aren’t being swayed.
My fingers are crossed!
HUGS!!!!!!!!!!
fingers crossed
I am hoping and praying and have fingers crossed.
We Californians are going to need help to. Ours may be taken away in November. Still keeping fingers crossed that voters see through this. I wish you the best in keeping what you have and maybe getting a few more rights.
Hey Laurie! I was also encouraged by the part telling that the 3 judges did not seem to be swayed by opposing arguments! Holdin’ out hope! {HUGS}!!
Thanks queerunity!!
Much appreciated wvhillcountry–on all counts!!!
Hi Dit! YES!! So true! You all are going through the same thing! Hoping for the best… hoping opposing groups don’t put your rights and protections to a vote! Thank you!! And my fingers are crossed for my home state of CA. also!!
My eyes are still crossed as well, which I don’t think is good for the long-term, particularly when I am driving.
In all seriousness, I hope that all comes out on top in the end.
I’m afraid that I’m on the side of your pessimistic lady friends. That way, I may be pleasantly surprised when things go our way (hopefully)????
Steven: thank you for your humor and your wishes!!
Lewis: I hear ya! I guess I am just a “glass half full” kind of gal. Sometimes that leaves one open for disappointment I realize…