1992 Oregon Ballot Measure 9

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Measure 9
Government Cannot Facilitate, Must Discourage Homosexuality, Other "Behaviors".
Results
Choice
 Votes %
File:Check-71-128-204-brightblue.svg Yes 638,527 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
File:Light brown x.svg No 828,290 Script error: No such module "Percentage".
Total votes 1,466,817 100.00%
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County results Page Template:Col-begin/styles.css has no content.
Source: Oregon Blue Book[1]Template:R/superscript

Oregon Ballot Measure 9 was a 1992 ballot initiative concerning LGBTQ rights in the state of Oregon. Sponsored by the Christian conservative group Oregon Citizens Alliance (OCA), the measure sought to amend the Oregon Constitution to prohibit anti-discrimination laws regarding sexual orientation and to declare homosexuality to be "abnormal, wrong, unnatural, and perverse".[2]Template:R/superscript[3]Template:R/superscript Listing homosexuality alongside pedophilia and sadism and masochism, it has been described as one of the harshest anti-gay measures presented to voters in American history.[4]Template:R/superscript

The initiative was defeated by 56 percent to 44 percent in the 1992 general election.[2]Template:R/superscript[5]Template:R/superscript The OCA went on to successfully sponsor similar anti-LGBTQ initiatives in municipalities across Oregon.[6]Template:R/superscript These local measures were later overruled by the state legislature.[2]Template:R/superscript[3]Template:R/superscript Opposition to Measure 9 was an early victory for the LGBTQ movement in the United States.[6]Template:R/superscript

Campaign

Measure 9 was an effort of the Oregon Citizens Alliance (OCA), a conservative group affiliated with the Christian Coalition that was active in Oregon politics in the 1990s.[5]Template:R/superscript[2]Template:R/superscript[7]Template:R/superscript[8]Template:R/superscript The initiative sought to amend the Oregon Constitution to prohibit anti-discrimination laws regarding sexual orientation and to declare homosexuality to be "abnormal, wrong, unnatural, and perverse".[2]Template:R/superscript[3]Template:R/superscript William Schultz, writing in Oregon Historical Quarterly, describes it as one of the most comprehensive and harshest anti-gay measures put to voters in American history.[4]Template:R/superscript

Taking advantage of public hostility toward affirmative action, campaigners invoked the idea of "special rights"[9]Template:R/superscript to imply that LGBTQ people wanted social advantages rather than mere equality.[5]Template:R/superscript[4]Template:R/superscript In this and similar campaigns, homosexuality was portrayed as a choice at odds with societal norms rather than an innate characteristic deserving of protection.[5]Template:R/superscript The campaign made extensive use of a video titled The Gay Agenda produced by a California evangelical group, which featured scenes from gay pride parades chosen to portray gay men as hypermasculine and threatening.[5]Template:R/superscript Another film titled Gay Rights–Special Rights: Inside the Homosexual Agenda (1993), produced by the Southern Baptist Convention, also circulated in the state.[10]Template:R/superscript

Opponents outspent the OCA six to one.[3]Template:R/superscript The measure was ultimately defeated, with 56 percent of voters voting against[2]Template:R/superscript and 44 percent in support of the measure.[5]Template:R/superscript

Background

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In 1991, OCA Chairman Lon Mabon announced an "Abnormal Behaviors Initiative" that would seek to prevent state and local governments from "condoning or promoting" homosexuality along with necrophilia, bestiality, or pedophilia.[4]Template:R/superscript Mabon and the OCA sponsored initiatives restricting LGBTQ rights in the cities of Corvallis and Springfield in early 1992.[6]Template:R/superscript

Supporters of Measure 9 felt that their traditional values were under siege in the face of growing acceptance of homosexuality by society.[3]Template:R/superscript Also in 1992, voters in Colorado passed Amendment 2, a similar anti–LGBTQ rights measure.[2]Template:R/superscript[4]Template:R/superscript Christian Coalition director Ralph Reed believed these efforts could successfully counter the LGBTQ rights movement in the United States; he stated that, if successful, Measure 9 and Amendment 2 could "roll back and snuff out the homosexual rights movement".[4]Template:R/superscript

The campaign for Measure 9 occurred in the midst of national discourse around "family values" and an economic downturn in which incumbent president George H. W. Bush sought to appeal to socially conservative voters. At the 1992 Republican National Convention, conservative commentator Pat Buchanan gave a speech saying, "There is a religious war going on in this country. It is a cultural war [...] this is a war for the soul of America".[4]Template:R/superscript Bush stated his opposition to anti-discrimination laws protecting sexual orientation, while his opponent Bill Clinton expressed support for LGBTQ rights. In response to a question at a campaign event in Portland, Oregon, Clinton defended homosexuals' right to "live their lives and make a contribution to the rest of us".[4]Template:R/superscript

Meanwhile, there was an increase in anti-LGBTQ hate crimes,[2]Template:R/superscript threats, and harassment in Oregon, with targets including the Campaign for a Hate Free Oregon, the Cascade AIDS Project, Just Out, the Lesbian Community Project, the Portland chapter of the National Organization for Women, and the Portland Pride Parade.[11]

Reception

Measure 9 was opposed by Oregon's most prominent newspapers,[3]Template:R/superscript including The Oregonian, which published an eleven-part series of editorials denouncing the measure.[4]Template:R/superscript Opponents of Measure 9 said it was unfairly discriminatory and unconstitutional,[12]Template:R/superscript[13]Template:R/superscript and that it demonstrated the homophobia and bigotry of its backers.[11]Template:R/superscript Fearing another failure after the first OCA-backed anti-gay measure passed in 1988, opponents of Measure 9 created the No on 9 Campaign, forming a coalition with the goal of defeating the measure.[14]Template:R/superscript More than 100 groups had joined the No on 9 Campaign in August 1992, and by October that number had grown to over 200.[15][13]

Christian groups and leaders were divided on the measure, with some in support and others opposed. The primary proponent of the measure was Oregon Citizens Alliance, a Christian group. Local Christians in support include the Eagle Forum, Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition of America, the evangelical group Concerned Women for America, Carol A. Petrone and Phillip Ramsdell of Oregon Catholics for Life, and some Assemblies of God.[13]Template:R/superscript[16]Template:R/superscript Out-of-state Christian supporters included Richard Cizik of the National Association of Evangelicals in Washington, Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention's Christian Life Commission, and Louis Sheldon of the Traditional Values Coalition.[15] However, many Christians opposed the measure, including the state's United Church of Christ, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metropolitan Community Church, Presbyterian Church, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Portland, Society of Friends, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist Church.[16] After a Catholic church in Hillsboro was vandalized with homophobic and anti-Catholic messaging, local Catholics began to oppose Measure 9, with some comparing the treatment of gay people to the history of the Oregon Ku Klux Klan harassing and attacking Catholics.[11][16][17]

Some Republicans opposed the measure. Some opposed it because they were opposed to homophobia, while others cited a belief in limited government, constitutionalism, and/or the separation of church and state as their primary reason.[11][17] Dave Frohnmayer, known as a prominent Oregon Republican, campaigned against Measure 9.[11]Template:R/superscript Other Republican opponents included Vic Atiyeh, Craig Berkman, Neil Bryant, Allan "Punch" Green, then-Senators Mark Hatfield and Bob Packwood, Salem City Council member Dave Moss, Norma Paulus, Jack Roberts, and Kenneth Upton.[11][17][16] Log Cabin Oregon, a Republican group, submitted a statement in opposition for the voter's pamphlet.[16] Some Republicans, such as State Treasurer Tony Meeker, Senator Bob Packwood, and Congressman Bob Smith, attempted to remain "neutral" or changed their stances on the measure during the year prior to the election.[11]

Many business leaders in Oregon were opposed to the measure, with many voicing concern that consumer boycotts of Oregon businesses would hurt the state's economy.[17] Oregon businesses and leaders who voiced opposition included Powell's Books and US West Communications.[12] Labor groups like the Oregon AFL–CIO and Oregon Public Employees Union were also opposed,[16] as were some educators and librarians, such as Jane Howard of the Oregon Federation of Teachers, Education and Health Professionals;[13] Karen Famous of the Oregon Education Association; and Deborah Jacobs of the Oregon Library Association.[16] Other organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Lawyers Guild,[16] and the Oregon Psychiatric Association, released statements opposing it.[11] The Portland Gay Men's Chorus toured in protest of Measure 9,[18]Template:R/superscript[19]Template:R/superscript and the grunge rock band Nirvana played a benefit concert titled "No on #9".[20]Template:R/superscript

Legacy

File:(1993) March on Washington for LGB Equal Rights and Liberation -- 49.jpg
Banners and signs celebrating the defeat of Measure 9 at the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation, April 1993

Even though Measure 9 failed, the campaign was described as divisive and politically polarizing, and was expected to have a negative impact on the state.[14]Template:R/superscript Many LGBTQ people in Oregon said that they were distressed or afraid because of it.[14]Template:R/superscript[21]Template:R/superscript The campaign against Measure 9 was an early victory for the LGBTQ movement in the United States,[6]Template:R/superscript and formed the basis of much of the gay rights movement in Oregon, including the organization Basic Rights Oregon.[8]

Mabon and the OCA would go on to back additional anti-LGBTQ initiatives at the state and local level, which were often referred to as "the son of 9".[6]Template:R/superscript These included the 1994 Oregon Ballot Measure 13, which would have prevented schools from using materials that were deemed to "legitimize homosexuality", and a second Oregon Ballot Measure 9 in 2000, which would have prohibited public schools in Oregon from "encouraging, promoting, or sanctioning homosexual and bisexual behaviors".[2]Template:R/superscript While these statewide measures failed, the OCA succeeded in sponsoring anti-LGBTQ initiatives in parts of Oregon where a majority of voters had supported Measure 9. Such local measures were passed in Josephine, Douglas, Linn, and Klamath counties, as well as in Canby and Junction City.[3]Template:R/superscript The Oregon Legislative Assembly overruled these local measures in 1993 with the passage of Oregon House Bill 3500, which barred municipalities from passing laws that would "single out citizens or groups of citizens on account of sexual orientation".[2]Template:R/superscript HB 3500 was upheld by the Oregon Supreme Court in 1995.[2]Template:R/superscript

See also

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References

  1. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Initiative, Referendum and Recall" (PDF). Oregon Blue Book. Oregon Secretary of State. n.d. p. 21. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Blazak, Randy (May 25, 2022). "Oregon Citizens Alliance". The Oregon Encyclopedia. Oregon Historical Society. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Peterson del Mar, David (2003). Oregon's Promise: An Interpretive History (1st ed.). Corvallis: Oregon State University Press. pp. 264–265. ISBN 978-0-8707-1558-7 – via the Internet Archive.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Schultz, William (Spring 2021). "The Rise and Fall of 'No Special Rights'" (PDF). Oregon Historical Quarterly. 122 (1): 6–37. doi:10.1353/ohq.2021.0013. ISSN 2329-3780. JSTOR 10.5403/oregonhistq.122.1.0006.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Staggenborg, Suzanne (2016). "American Right-Wing Movements". Social Movements (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 157–158. ISBN 978-0-1993-6359-9 – via Google Books.
  6. ^ a b c d e Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Stone, Amy L. (2024). "Anti-LGBTQ Ballot Initiatives (and LGBTQ Activism)". In Goldberg, Abbie E. (ed.). The Sage Encyclopedia of LGBTQ+ Studies (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publishing. p. 102. ISBN 978-1-0718-9140-7 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Lang, Melissa (October 26, 2022). "Opinion: Remembering the fight against Ballot Measure 9". Street Roots. Archived from the original on November 6, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  8. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Wentz, Patty (1999). "1992 | Homophobia hits home". Willamette Week. 25th Anniversary Issue. Portland, Ore. ISSN 2640-5857. Archived from the original on January 5, 2011.
  9. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Pierceson, Jason (2019). "Ballot Measures". In Pierceson, Jason (ed.). LGBTQ Americans in the U.S. Political System: An Encyclopedia of Activists, Voters, Candidates, and Officeholders. Vol. 1. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-Clio. p. 81. ISBN 978-1-4408-5277-0 – via Google Books.
  10. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Summers, Claude, ed. (2012). The Queer Encyclopedia of Film and Television. San Francisco, Calif.: Cleis Press. p. 96. ISBN 978-1-5734-4882-6 – via Google Books.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.LaSalle, Patrick (2025). The Rainbow War: Ballot Measure 9 and the Fight Over Gay Rights in Oregon (M.A. thesis). Dissertations and Theses. Portland State University. doi:10.15760/etd.3988. Paper 6896.
  12. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Boxall, Bettina (October 22, 1992). "Battle Lines Drawn Over Oregon's Anti-Gay Measure". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  13. ^ a b c d Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Sommerfeld, Meg (October 21, 1992). "Ore. Schools in Eye of Storm Over Anti-Gay Measure". Education Week. ISSN 0277-4232. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  14. ^ a b c Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Young, Patricia (1997). Measure 9: Oregon's 1992 Anti-Gay Initiative (M.A. thesis). Dissertations and Theses. Portland State University. doi:10.15760/etd.8142. Paper 6282.
  15. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Turner, Darrell (August 22, 1992). "CHURCHES OPPOSE GAY BILL". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved January 30, 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Voters' Pamphlet: State of Oregon General Election November 3, 1992" (PDF). Compiled and distributed by Phil Keisling. Oregon Secretary of State. pp. 93–127. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011 – via Benton County Elections Division.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  17. ^ a b c d Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."18: Republicans Against Prejudice". No on 9 Remembered. Western States Center. n.d. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  18. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Holm, Samantha (July 3, 2024). "Portland Gay Men's Chorus celebrates 45 years of music and activism". Portland, Ore.: KATU. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
  19. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Nicola, George T. (April 10, 2013). "Oregon Anti-Gay Ballot Measures". GLAPN.org. Oregon Queer History Collective. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
  20. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Allman, Kevin (February 9, 1993). "The dark side of Kurt Cobain" (PDF). The Advocate. No. 622. Pride Media. p. 39. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  21. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Smith, Marty (October 4, 2023). "Lon Mabon Terrified Portlanders With Ballot Measures but Now Sells Them Gourmet Salsa". Willamette Week. Portland, Ore. Retrieved January 28, 2026.

Further reading

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