PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Gay rights advocates have decided not to seek a ballot measure next year that would legalize gay marriage in Oregon.
Basic Rights Oregon announced the decision on Wednesday after months of publicly mulling a push. The organization cited the expense of running a statewide campaign during an economic downturn.
Gay marriage supporters have aired television ads aimed at raising support for same-sex unions. Basic Rights Oregon says in a statement that it will continue an education campaign and will continue to work toward gaining same-sex marriage rights.
If approved at the ballot box, Oregon would have been the first state to legalize gay marriage by a vote of the people.
