With only a few weeks until the big election on Nov. 7, a select group of Eugene residents will be raising their voices to fight Measure 9, which would prohibit Oregon public schools from encouraging, promoting or sanctioning homosexuality and bisexuality.
The Soromundi Lesbian Chorus, which has been singing in Eugene for 12 years, is fighting Measure 9 with its music. Since September, Soromundi and the Eugene Peace Choir have been planning and practicing for a benefit concert called “Voices Against Measure 9” to support the fight against the ballot measure.
“I think Measure 9 is very dangerous and will end up hurting children and schools,” choir member Peg Morton said. “If this measure passes, there will be nowhere for homosexual students to turn.”
The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Central Presbyterian Church, located on 15th Avenue and Patterson Drive. The event is free, though a $5 to $15 donation is encouraged to help support the battle against Measure 9.
“At a time when schools are struggling financially, Measure 9 would only hurt schools further,” choir member Myeba Mindlin said. “We feel that if Measure 9 passes, a witch hunt would start targeting homosexuals.”
Nikki Fancher, coordinator for Bridges, the University’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allies speaker’s bureau, said she’s excited about the musical event. Fancher has heard the Soromundi Lesbian Chorus perform and is pleased that it’s supporting the “No on 9” campaign along with the Eugene Peace Choir.
“It’s a really nice fusion of two groups for this cause,” she said, and it shows how important it is to be tolerant and speak against prejudice.
Fancher said the concert will continue the effort much of Eugene has shown in support for the fight against Measure 9.
“In Eugene,” she said, “especially the University community, there’s a lot of support against the measure because of what it means for education.”
But there’s still a lot of work to be done, she said.