Oregon Campaign Wants Quick Answer on Gay Marriage

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Sponsors of a ballot measure to legalize gay marriage in Oregon have asked a federal judge to make a speedy ruling in a case that challenges the state's ban.

The campaign said in a filing Tuesday it won't go ahead with its initiative if Judge Michael McShane overturns the ban quickly. Otherwise, the sponsors said, they would press ahead with the campaign - at great time and expense.

McShane has scheduled oral arguments for April 23 on two consolidated lawsuits challenging the prohibition.

Also Tuesday, a coalition of 36 Oregon employers - including Nike and Intel - filed a "friend of the court" legal brief in support of overturning the ban.

The employers say Oregon's marriage exclusion makes it more difficult to recruit talent.