Portland, OR -
Sports clothing manufacturer Adidas has backed a proposed initiative that seeks to repeal Oregon's 2004 gay marriage ban and legalize such unions in the state.
"Marriage is an important, individual choice that should be extended to everyone," said Paul Ehrlich, vice president of Adidas America. "It is time to recognize this important human right by affirming the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in Oregon. Inclusion and diversity are important tenets for our company and employees and we want to extend those values across this state."
Adidas America is headquartered in North Portland.
Supporters began collecting signatures in August and have until next summer to collect the 116,284 valid signatures needed to qualify for the November 2014 ballot.
(Related: Oregon gay marriage measure gathers one-third of signatures in 12 days.)
If the measure is approved next year, Oregon would make history as the first state to repeal a constitutional amendment limiting marriage to heterosexual couples.
Last week, the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns endorsed the initiative.
"Marriage is an important, individual choice that should be extended to everyone," said Paul Ehrlich, vice president of Adidas America. "It is time to recognize this important human right by affirming the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in Oregon. Inclusion and diversity are important tenets for our company and employees and we want to extend those values across this state."
Adidas America is headquartered in North Portland.
Supporters began collecting signatures in August and have until next summer to collect the 116,284 valid signatures needed to qualify for the November 2014 ballot.
(Related: Oregon gay marriage measure gathers one-third of signatures in 12 days.)
If the measure is approved next year, Oregon would make history as the first state to repeal a constitutional amendment limiting marriage to heterosexual couples.
Last week, the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns endorsed the initiative.
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine
