Oregon group
running out of time to block pro-gay laws

Opponents of two recently passed pro-gay laws in Oregon are running out of time to gather signatures that would put the measures to a popular vote. Defense of Marriage and Family, Again!--a self-styled political action committee--has collected just between 5,000 and 10,000 signatures, far short of the 55,000 it needs to place the state's new antidiscrimination and domestic-partnership laws on the November 2008 ballot, according to the Associated Press.

If the anti-marriage equality group gathers the necessary signatures within the next seven weeks, the measures, signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski and scheduled to become effective January 1, would be suspended until after the results of the November 2008 election could be tabulated. (The Advocate)