Activists abandon major campaign to legalize LGBTQ+ rights, but don't say why - LGBTQ Nation

"In an Instagram post, Equal Rights Oregon announced that "after thoughtful consideration," it was moving forward with the "difficult decision" not to pursue Initiative Petition 33, known as the Equal Rights for All measure. The measure would have let Oregon vote on adding a constitutional amendment stating that equal rights "shall not be denied or abridged" based on "a) pregnancy/pregnancy outcomes and related health decisions; b) gender identity and related decisions; c) sexual orientation, including the right to marry.""

"The initiative - which sought to enshrine legal rights in the light of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions overturning legal access to abortion and gender-affirming care for youth - was supported by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Oregon, Basic Rights Oregon, Planned Parenthood Action of Oregon, the Latino Network, and other civil rights groups. It was also endorsed by labor unions like AFL-CIO and SEIU Local 503."

"However, in the coalition's announcement about the campaign's end, Equal Rights Oregon wrote, "This is a particularly difficult time, as the federal government continues attacking our rights, freedom, and basic humanity. We still firmly believe that together, we will build an Oregon where all of us can be who we are, and make our own decisions about our lives and bodies, and access the care that we need.""

Organizers ended the campaign for Initiative Petition 33, the Equal Rights for All measure, after insufficient signature collection. The proposal would have allowed voters to add a constitutional amendment that equal rights "shall not be denied or abridged" based on pregnancy and related health decisions, gender identity and related decisions, and sexual orientation including the right to marry. The campaign reportedly raised and spent $1.3 million but gathered fewer than 8% of needed signatures by July. The measure had support from ACLU of Oregon, Basic Rights Oregon, Planned Parenthood Action of Oregon, the Latino Network, and labor unions including AFL-CIO and SEIU Local 503. The coalition emphasized ongoing commitment to build an Oregon where people can make decisions about their lives and access needed care.

Read at LGBTQ Nation