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http:// --> Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Local Issues Obituaries Weather Archive Revels Etcetera Backpage Hot Topics Most Viewed Forum Photo Galleries Video Readers Polls O-Zone Online Games Movie Preview Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad Featured Galleries: September 5, 2007 Web site outs gay rights foes By Chris Rizo Ashland Daily Tidings SALEM — Oregonians who sign a petition in hopes of derailing the domestic partnership law signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski this spring could see their names, home addresses and telephone numbers posted on a Massachusetts-based Internet site designed to identify gay rights foes. The site, KnowThyNeighbor.org, already lists the names of thousands of voters in Massachusetts and Florida that signed similar petitions to block same-sex couples from gaining some of the rights and protections afforded to married couples. Dennis Vickoren, board vice chairman of the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center in Ashland, said while he disagrees with those who sign the petition they should not be intimidated from doing so. "If it's being used to scare people then I'm against it," Vickoren said of the Web site. "Hopefully, we are getting past the point that being gay is a big deal," Vickoren added. "But unfortunately, this is an issue that can galvanize the religious right, and they are going to grasp at it as long as they can." Brandon Berg, the Oregon spokesman for KnowThyNeighbor, said the Web site isn't about intimidating voters, but is aimed at forcing people "to take responsibility" for signing two petitions, the other which would block Oregon's landmark anti-gay discrimination law from taking effect on Jan. 1. "People should stop and think before they sign the petitions to take away basic protections for our families," Berg said. "What we're asking is: Are you willing to sign a petition to take away the rights of others?" The petitions, circulated by conservative groups, including the Constitution Party and Restore America, a would allow voters in November 2008 a chance to repeal the two laws. But with no support from the Oregon Family Council, which led the 2004 successful initiative effort to limit marriage between one woman and one man, and only tepid support from the Oregon Republican Party, the signature gathering drive has reportedly floundered. Led by former state legislator and 2006 Republican gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix of Salem, supporters have until Sept. 26 to submit 55,179 valid petition signatures to the Secretary of State's Election Division to qualify for the November 2008 ballot. House Majority Whip Peter Buckley, an Ashland Democrat and ardent supporter of the new laws, said that every Oregonian "deserves the same civil rights," regardless of their sexual orientation. "I believe that the vast majority of people in our state understand and support this bottom line fact," Buckley said. "There is still a biased and fearful minority that doesn't understand this concept yet, and my hope is that they will not be able to delay the fairness and equality that has been brought forward." The largest gay rights organization in the state, Basic Rights Oregon, is not backing the Web site's efforts, said John Hummel, the Portland-based group's executive director. Hummel said his group is focusing its energy on "gathering support for equality" rather than going after those who might disagree with them. "I am sure the people who are doing this are well intentioned, but for us to get involved would be a distraction from our efforts to gather support for the basic fairness laws enacted in May," he said. "That is what we're about." State Rep. Sal Esquivel of Medford, was among House Republicans opposed to the two bills. At the time, he said the domestic partner legislation was an affront to voters who banned same-sex marriage. As for the law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, he said that gays and lesbians should not be afforded special protections under the law. "I have met former homosexuals; I have not met former blacks or Hispanics," Esquivel said. "I don't believe what you chose to do makes you a minority." Chris Rizo covers the state Legislature for the Ashland Daily Tidings. Reach him at [email protected]. Current Comments: The statement that "gays and lesbians should not be afforded special protections under the law" is absolutely correct: human rights do not constitute "special" legal protection; most minorities just want to be treated the same as the white male christian landowners who founded this nation. Richard Cranium - Ashland OR - September 5th, 2:57 PM Richard, You are everything that is wrong in this country and .....in the world. I vote, less male christians and more gay and lesbians. Compassion for all - Ashland, OR - September 6th, 5:53 AM You're seriously misreading my statement, then; what part of "human rights do not constitute 'special' legal protection" isn't compassionate? Richard Cranium - Ashland OR - September 6th, 10:22 AM Mr.C: I think CompForAll may not understand the statement; I'm having trouble with it myself (I guess being able to breathe, chew gum, and type at the same time doesn't really mean I have a brain). I do know this: as a white, male, christian, landowner/business owner, I have the right to "take a back seat" when I submit a bid and the other bidders are considered "miniorities". My white son has the right to a "back seat" when applying for college for the same reason. See? We all have rights... EC - ashland, or - September 6th, 12:35 PM Leave a Comment: Advertisement: Advertisement: Paid Advertising: Debt Help Inkjet Printers Payday Loans Free Ringtones Debt Consolidation Security Systems Debt Relief New Hampshire Primary Advertisement: Copyright © 2007 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved. Del.icio.us