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.