The Oregon Supreme Court has banned several state senators from the 2024 ballot due to a 42-day walkout in protest against a bill supporting abortion and healthcare for gender transitions.
The ruling is based on Measure 113, disqualifying legislators with 10 or more unexcused absences.
The decision impacts 10 legislators, with two retiring, four serving through 2026, and four covered by the ruling.
“I’m disappointed, but can’t say I’m surprised that a court of judges appointed solely by Gov. Brown and Gov. Kotek would rule in favor of political rhetoric rather than their own precedent,” Sen. Suzanne Weber said.
Republicans view the ruling as politically motivated, potentially influencing the current legislative session.
“The only winners in this case are Democrat politicians and their union backers,” Weber said.
“If the court sides with us, it’s a clear victory,” Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp said.
“If it doesn’t, I think we still win because our members literally have no reason to show up, and so in order for them to show up, they’re going to want to see that they’re going to be able to make a difference.”
“The text of the amendment does not unambiguously support either interpretation. The text would more clearly support petitioners’ reading — and weaken the secretary’s reading — if it referred to ‘the term following the election [that occurs] after the member’s current term is completed,’’’ the ruling said.
“Because the text is capable of supporting the secretary’s interpretation, and considering the clear import of the ballot title and explanatory statement in this case, we agree with the secretary that voters would have understood the amendment to mean that a legislator with 10 or more unexcused absences during a legislative session would be disqualified from holding legislative office during the immediate next term, rather than the term after that,” the ruling added.
The core issue revolved around the interpretation of Measure 113 and its timing of enforcement.
