FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andrew Gorry / press [at] dpo [dot] org / (503) 239-8634
The Democratic Party of Oregon, which has made repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) one of its top priorities, applauded today's United States Supreme Court ruling striking down DOMA as unconstitutional.
"This ruling removes a huge stumbling block from the road to freedom," said Democratic Party of Oregon Chair Frank Dixon. "Thanks to the leadership of activists across the country and the Obama administration, all state-recognized marriages will now be protected against federal discrimination."
"Now it's up to us. We urge everyone to join with the Democratic Party of Oregon to support the Oregon United For Marriage campaign to overturn marriage discrimination in Oregon in 2014–so that all married couples in Oregon will receive the dignity, support & recognition they deserve from the state of Oregon and the federal government."
The Democratic Party of Oregon has long been a champion for LGBT rights. In 2012, the full voting body of the Democratic Party of Oregon called for:
"Immediately pass the fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Reinstate status and benefits for service members previously discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT)."
"Ensure full marriage equality for same-sex Oregon couples and effect full legal recognition for same-sex unions of other jurisdictions including the repeal of Oregon Constitution Article 15, Section 5a (Ballot Measure 36 of 2004) that bans marriage equality for same-sex couples."
Learn more about the Oregon United for Marriage campaign: http://www.oregonunitedformarriage.org
Oregon United for Marriage is having rallies today to celebrate this decision. More information on these event pages:
Portland (5PM – 7PM): https://www.facebook.com/events/485842748159893/
Eugene (5PM – 7PM): https://www.facebook.com/events/383036238463431/
Ashland (noon – 2 PM): https://www.facebook.com/events/131000630441972/
Another great way to celebrate: the Democratic Party of Oregon's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Caucus holds its annual Stonewall Anniversary Party tomorrow from 6 – 9 PM at Crush Bar in Portland. Get details for that event and tickets here: http://www.dpo.org/events/2013-06-27/stonewall-celebration-dpo-lgbt-caucus
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