Oregonians Prepare to Protest California's New Gay Marriage Ban

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Advocates for gay marriage are outraged over the passage of California's Proposition 8, which amends the state Constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman. Prop 8 overturns a recent California Supreme Court decision that had recognized same-sex marriage in California as a fundamental right.

On Saturday, people across the country will join together to raise their voices against the what Basic Rights Oregon calls the injustice of California’s Prop 8.

"Passage of Proposition 8 means that, for a little longer, families in California will be denied important security and respect, and will have to continue to fight against inequality and second-class status."

The group says the vote is a blow for all who believe in the values of equality and inclusion.

"And it’s an especially painful disappointment for the couples and families who’ve made a commitment to each other for life and seek only an equal commitment under the law."

Over the weekend, community leaders in Oregon began planning several protests around this state. These events – planned for Portland, Salem, Eugene and Corvallis so far – are a development in the movement for marriage equality in Oregon. Basic Rights says members are angered and frustrated by the vote in California, and similar votes in Florida and Arizona.

"We at Basic Rights Oregon are excited to see this movement grow. We’ll be joining the chorus of voices at these rallies around the state, and hope that others will join in as well. We applaud the community leadership that has sprung up to take charge of these events. Each of us must take a stand and educate in our community in order to achieve the change we seek."

* Corvallis: Saturday, 11/15 at 10:30 AM at the Benton County Courthouse. For more info, contact reidenbach.9@osu.edu.

* Portland: Just Out Newspaper is reporting that this event will be held Saturday, 11/15 at 10:30 AM at the PSU South Park Blocks. To get updated information, check back at blogout.justout.com.

* Salem: Willamette University is staging a protest Saturday at 10:30 AM at Jackson Plaza. For more information contact jfrickla@willamette.edu

* Eugene: QueerEugene is reporting that this will be held on Saturday, 11/15 at 10:30am at the Eugene City Hall (777 Pearl St. in Eugene). For updates and more info, check queereugene.com.

One important note from Basic Rights Oregon: As we raise our voices in protest, let’s make sure we raise our voices together.

Basic Rights says there has been a lot of talk in the last week about who is to blame for this devastating loss.

"By playing this blame game, we only alienate our allies and members of our own communities. We are particularly concerned about the divisive language, inaccurate information and misplaced anger expressed toward communities of color. We have a lot of work to do still to build support for marriage equality in all communities — young and old, religious and secular, and all communities regardless of race or ethnicity."

The group says it is important to remember that discrimination and homophobia and transphobia exist in every community.

"We don’t need more blaming. What we need now is education, engagement and dialogue. Only by engaging ALL our communities will we win full equality."