OR Measure 36

Alas, A Blog asked people to link to this crucial issue: apparently today a nastygram came in oregonians' mailboxes stating that if measure 36 fails, gay sex will be taught to children, whatever the frell that means.

honestly. sex education aside, measure 36 is an attempt to block the civil rights of lgbtsi folk, specifically to limit our right to marry. this issue has nothing to do with sex education. it has only to do with children because it protects them. the frelling nerve.

I called Senator Smith's office in Portland - (503) 326-3386. I read the staff person who answered that caption, and politely asked if Senator Smith believes that if Measure 36 fails, The person promised to have someone call me back. I then called the Senator's Washington office - (202) 224-3753 - and asked them the same question. The staffer I spoke to asked me to email Senator Smith and promised that someone would get back to me.

this is the letter that went out to the senator about the issue from the owner of Alas, A Blog:

I just received a flier in the mail from "Yes on 36." Directly over the "yes on 36" return address, there's a smiling color photograph of Senator Smith along with a quote from Senator Smith endorsing traditional marriage.

Opening up the flier, I see a huge caption saying "If Measure 36 fails gay and lesbian sex will be taught in Oregon schools."

I would like to know if Senator Smith believes or endorses the statement that "If Measure 36 fails gay and lesbian sex will be taught in Oregon schools."

My impression is that Gordon Smith values his relatively good relationship with lesbian and gay Oregonians, and is one of the most genuinely non-bigoted members of the GOP. And I realize that same-sex marriage is an issue that people can in good faith disagree on.

However, the idea that lesbians and gays are seeking to teach gay sex in schools is a bigoted and dangerous myth, which spreads hatred of lesbians and gays and encourages gaybashing. I would be very disappointed if Gordon Smith allowed his name and image to be used to endorse such a bigoted myth. Please let me know Mr. Smith's position on this specific question - "If Measure 36 fails gay and lesbian sex will be taught in Oregon schools" - as soon as possible.

Thank you very much.

please, if you are an oregonian, contact the senator using the information above. it's really important.