Oregon Republican wingnut Marylin Shannon is spearheading efforts to overturn the two recent gay rights bills (domestic partners and non-discrimination) that were passed there last week:
Reports the Statesman Journal: “Shannon said she and other social conservatives believe the measures, especially the domestic partnerships bill, go against the wishes of Oregon voters who approved a constitutional ban on gay marriage in 2004. ‘We are offended that the Legislature voted to overturn the will of the people,' Shannon said. Once state election officials give the group the go-ahead to begin a referral campaign, the petitioners will have to collect 55,179 signatures from registered voters within 90 days after the Legislature adjourns for each of the gay rights laws they want to overturn. A spokeswoman for the state's leading gay rights group, Basic Rights Oregon, said it appears likely the newly formed coalition will have the ability to gather enough petition signatures. Melissa Chernaik said she believes Oregonians will uphold both laws, but the ballot measure campaign likely will be expensive and divisive.”
Shannon was also busy fighting against rights for gays and lesbians back in 1999, when Williamette Week reported: “Shannon, who says she doesn't believe in legislating doctrine, maintains that those who pretend God doesn't belong in the Capitol are kidding themselves. ‘We legislate morality here every day,' she says, ‘and it might as well be ours.'”
