As Oregon legislators consider two bills regarding the rights of gays and lesbians, local right-wing leaders are in a frenzy. WorldNetDaily.com quotes the state Constitution Party, which warned that the legislation is “a recipe for civil war”:
"Everyone should read this legislation. It clearly gives those who choose non-traditional sexual behavior preference over those with traditional moral values," said state [Constitution Party] Chairman Jack Brown. "This legislation will lock religious people inside their church buildings and let perversion occupy the rest of the landscape!"
The bills? One would establish domestic partnerships; the other would follow 17 other states in barring discrimination based in sexual orientation in housing, public accommodations, public education, and employment.
David Crowe of Restore America warned of a “moral freefall”:
"The people of Oregon deserve people in office who respect their wishes, not those of a small minority who wish to impose their morality upon others while forcing acquiescence by using the authority of human law, in disregard of God's Law," he said. "Our next step in opposing these bills is a Referral to the people of Oregon. They have the right to approve or disapprove the actions of the legislature."
According to Crowe, the latter bill is “the most sweeping and culturally devastating law in Oregon history, establishing pagan morality under the guise of a 'civil right,' and imposing it upon all Oregonians under the cover of 'law.’” Despite an explicit exemption in the bill for churches and religious organizations, Crowe warned that churches will be “forced to hire homosexuals.” “They're seeking really to gain a foothold for homosexuals into the Christian church with the court's approval,” claimed Crowe.
