Press Releases
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
LIFT EVERY VOICE OREGON PRESS STATEMENT REGARDING THE HARNEY COUNT JUDGE'S RULING ON MEASURE 114
Harney County Judge Robert Raschio issued a decision today refusing to implement any part of Measure 114.
Lift Every Voice Oregon is disappointed by the ruling against Measure 114, though it is not unexpected based on Judge Raschio's initial ruling last December and his exclusion of certain evidence and other rulings during the September trial. We are thankful that the matter may now move forward in the appeals process.
"Measure 114 was passed into law over a year ago," said Rev. Dr. Mark Knutson, one of Measure 114's chief petitioners. Knutson added. "Voters were clear that these life-saving policies should be the law in Oregon. We know these policies have been upheld by courts in other states and, though we anticipated Judge Raschio would rule the way he did, we have been preparing for the appellate process for some time now. We are ready to move forward in the Court of Appeals and even the Oregon Supreme Court to get 114 implemented."
Chief Petitioner Marilyn Keller stated, "The people of Oregon took the work of reducing gun violence into their own hands because so little was being done. Measure 114 provides the two most effective changes, supported by evidence-based studies, for reducing gun-related homicides and suicides. The delay in reaching this decision has been far too long. It is time to take action. We are eagerly looking forward to working through the legal process so we can finally implement a law that will save lives."
Rabbi Michael Cahana, the third chief petitioner, added, “Everyone at Lift Every Voice Oregon is grateful to Attorney General Rosenblum and her skilled attorneys and staff for their tireless efforts to make Measure 114 fully operational. They carved a clear path in the federal court, which approved full implementation. We look forward to their further efforts in state court to achieve a similar result as soon as possible."
Oregon's Measure 114 was passed in November 2022 through Oregon's initiative petition process. The law requires prospective firearm buyers to receive a permit to purchase a firearm. The process includes hands-on training and a completed background check. The law also bans the future sale or purchase of firearm magazines containing more than ten rounds.
In July 2023, Federal Judge Karin Immergut ruled that Measure 114 was permitted under the US Constitution. Judge Immergut carefully analyzed each provision, as written, and determined the changes did not unduly interfere with individual rights.
Although the test under the Oregon Constitution is slightly different, the Oregon Supreme Court has held that the right to bear arms is not "absolute" and "reasonable regulations" to promote public safety are "constitutionally permissible." Measure 114 provides "reasonable regulations" and Judge Raschio's hold on these regulations since December 2022 should be removed. The importance of having these changes in place cannot be denied or further delayed.
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
LIFT EVERY VOICE OREGON WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING WITH IP 17 UPDATE AND IP 18 STRATEGY
When: 11:00 AM, Thursday, June 23, 2022
Where: Augustana Lutheran Church 2710 NE 14th Ave., Portland, Oregon
Contact: Rev. Dr. W. J. Mark Knutson, Chair, Lift Every Voice Oregon 503-757-3697
On Thursday, June 23 at 11:00 a.m., Lift Every Voice Oregon will hold its weekly 30-minute Press Briefing with updates on the Signature Gathering by hundreds across the state to place IP 17 on the November ballot in Oregon and tee up IP 18 for the 2023 Legislative Session. Updates on numbers of signatures, volunteers and new endorsements will be shared.
The Press Briefing will also include updates from various supporters, including the Oregon Federation of Teachers and others.
IP 17 would ban large capacity magazines over 10 rounds, calls for a permit (license) to purchase any gun, and complete background checks; IP 18 would ban the future sale of assault style weapons and call for the registration of those already owned and a limit on their use to firing ranges and one's own property.
IP 17 and IP 18 are the only legislation of this type currently at play in the nation for real action.
IP 17 is the only Ballot Initiative still in play in Oregon, as others have had to cease their efforts for a number of reasons. These Press Briefings will be held every Thursday at 11:00 am up to the Signature Turn in Date of Friday, July 8, 2022.
Press: please call ahead if you would like a parking space reserved (503-757-3697).
Monday, Nov. 8, 2021
LIFT EVERY VOICE OREGON PRESS RELEASE
TO ANNOUNCE THE OREGON SUPREME COURT'S APPROVAL OF CERTIFIED BALLOT TITLES FOR IP17 AND IP18,
LIFT EVERY VOICE OREGON'S INITIATIVE PETITIONS TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE FOR THE NOVEMBER 2022 GENERAL ELECTION
Contact Rev. Dr. W. J. Mark Knutson 503-757-3697 (call or text)
More information at: www.lifteveryvoiceoregon.com
Lift Every Voice Oregon just received notice that the Oregon Supreme Court approved the Ballot Titles for both of its initiatives (IP17 and IP18) for the 2022 ballot to reduce gun violence and promote safety throughout Oregon. The violence in Oregon and nationally is at a staggering level with 2021 surpassing 2020, with people of all ages and localities being impacted by the pervasive use of guns. LEVO supports non-violence for resolving differences, not resorting to weapons.
The initiatives promote common sense safety measures such as requiring a permit to purchase firearms, issued after completing a basic gun safety training and passing a background check. No more loopholes allowing purchase of a gun after 3 days, even if the background check isn't completed! The initiatives also limit ammunition magazine capacity to 10 rounds. No more 20, 50 or 100 rounds, which are commonly used in mass shootings and in many other circumstances involving guns. Semiautomatic
assault weapons will also be banned in future sales. Those currently owned may be retained provided they are registered, in order to allow tracking of the owner when used in crimes. These changes have been shown to make a difference by reducing the proliferation of weapons and reducing the deaths and injuries from such weapons.
The Supreme Court's decision opens the door for LEVO to begin collecting signatures to qualify for placement on the 2022 ballot. They need 112,020 valid signatures of registered voters by July 8, 2022. LEVO will rely on thousands of volunteers throughout the state to circulate the signature pages, as well as a link on their webpage (www.lifteveryvoiceoregon.com) which allows voters to print, sign and mail in the form. Now is the time, this is the moment. LEVO encourages everyone to join the Lift Every Voice Oregon campaign for the safety of our children and youth, and all Oregonians. LEVO is calling, along with many allies, for an end to gun violence in Oregon.
WATCH FOR A STATEWIDE PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE COMING WEEK TO LAUNCH THE ALL VOLUNTEER SIGNATURE DRIVE THROUGHOUT OREGON THAT WILL PUT THIS BELLWETHER LEGISLATION FOR THE NATION ON THE 2022 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT.
LIFT EVERY VOICE OREGON A Statewide Movement of Interfaith Leaders, People of Faith and People of Just Good Will Promoting Public Health and Safety through education, legislation, advocacy and Initiative Petitions dealing with assault style weapons, large capacity magazines and common-sense laws that will help end the epidemic of gun violence.
April 28, 2021
LIFT EVERY VOICE OREGON PRESS CONFERENCE
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Time: 10:00 AM Outdoors, marks required, socially distanced
Location: Augustana Lutheran Church, 2710 NE 14th Ave, Portland, OR 97212
TO ANNOUNCE THE FILING THURSDAY of two Initiative Petitions with the Secretary of State for the 2022 General Election. The first IP will ban the sale of assault style weapons in Oregon, and the second will ban the sale of large capacity magazines and require a license before any gun may be purchased and complete background checks before a gun is purchased. Copies of the two IPs will be available at Thursday’s 10:00 a.m. Press Conference. We will also announce plans for s statewide Drive-Thru Signature Gathering event the weekend of May 14-16,. ALL PRESS ARE WELCOME; CALL AHEAD IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RESERVE A PARKING SPACE.
Contact Rev. Dr. W. J. Mark Knutson 503-757-3697 (call or text)
Now is the time, this is the moment. We encourage everyone to join our Lift Every Voice Oregon campaign for the safety of our children and youth, and all Oregonians. We are calling, along with many allies, for an end to gun violence in Oregon. Campaign chair Rev. Dr. W. J. Mark Knutson, Senior Pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church in Portland, Rev. Alcena Boozer, former principal of Jefferson High School and Pastor Emeritus of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church, Rabbi Michael Cahana of Congregation Beth Israel, Imam Muhammad Najieb, Director of the Muslim Community Center of Portland and a veteran of the Marines, Rev.Lynn Smouse-Lopez, Pastor of Ainsworth United Church of Christ, Liz McKanna, the legislative team, many faith leaders, youth leaders and community members are serving on the advisory committee with several sub-committees and a growing network of over 2,000 individuals around Oregon, in rural, suburban and urban areas.
March 25, 2021
LIFT EVERY VOICE OREGON PRESS CONFERENCE
FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2021
TIME; 11:00 a.m. Outdoors, masks required, socially distanced
LOCATION: Augustana Lutheran Church
2710 NE 14th Ave.
Portland OR 97212
TO ANNOUNCE THE INITIATIVE PETITIONS FOR THE 2022 GENERAL ELECTION; ALL
PRESS ARE WELCOME CALL AHEAD IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RESERVE A PARKING SPACE.
Contact Rev. Dr. W. J. Mark Knutson 503-757-3697 (call or text)
More information at lifteveryvoiceoregon.com
Now is the time, this is the moment. We encourage everyone to join our Lift Every Voice Oregon campaign for the safety of our children and youth, and all Oregonians. We are calling, along with many allies, for an end to gun violence in Oregon. Campaign chair Rev. Dr. W. J. Mark Knutson, Senior Pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church in Portland, Rev. Alcena Boozer, former principal of Jefferson High School and Pastor Emeritus of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church, Rabbi Michael Cahana of Congregation Beth Israel, Imam Muhammad Najieb, Director of the Muslim Community Center of Portland and a veteran of the Marines, Rev.Lynn Smouse-Lopez, Pastor of Ainsworth United Church of Christ, Liz McKanna, the legislative team, many faith leaders, youth leaders and community members are serving on the advisory committee with several sub-committees and a growing network of over 2,000 individuals around Oregon, in rural, suburban and urban areas.
March 4, 2019
Press Release: Bills to Limit High-Capacity Magazines and Regulate Military-Style Firearms Introduced Into the Oregon Legislature
Portland - Two bills that will reduce the number and availability of military-style weapons and ammunition in Oregon have been introduced in the Oregon legislative session. HB 3265, a bill to limit high-capacity magazines to ten rounds, was introduced on February 28. HB 3223, a bill to regulate currently owned military-style firearms and end the future sale, transfer and manufacture of those weapons was introduced on February 28th.
The bills were filed by Lift Every Voice Oregon (LEVO), a coalition of faith-based communities, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist, and other people of good will. LEVO’s members urge Oregon legislators to reduce the fear imposed upon children, as well as adults, of every age by the threat of mass shootings.
Rev. W. J. Mark Knutson, Senior Pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church,and Chair of Lift Every Voice Oregon, states the goal: “As people of faith we have always opposed violence and sought the well-being of our children and youth. After Parkland, this took on new urgency and we formed the Lift Every Voice Coalition to declare, now is the time to act for the well-being of every Oregonian. HB 3223 and HB 3265 will say to our young leaders, your voices have been heard. These bills will be a bellwether for the nation on what people of faith and people of goodwill of all ages can accomplish for the common good.”
The bill to limit high-capacity magazines, HB 3265, will prohibit the future sale, transfer, and manufacture in Oregon of any firearm magazine that holds more than ten rounds of ammunition. Under current Oregon law, large game hunters in Oregon are limited to just five rounds in a magazine when hunting large game such as elk.
HB 3223 which will regulate currently owned assault weapons, will prohibit the future sale, transfer, and manufacture of military-style assault weapons in Oregon. Gun owners who legally own firearms described in the bill may continue to keep the firearms but must register them with the Oregon State Police.