I just got word that the second anti-gay petition—which would have put the new non-discrimination law on next fall’s ballot—fell short of the 55,179 valid signatures needed.

The number I’m hearing (I’m waiting on official confirmation from the Secretary of State’s office) is 53,875, or 1,304 short. That’s a healthy margin, so hopefully Restore America’s David Crowe won’t be blathering on about conspiracies in the Elections Division, like he is over the 116 signature margin by which the first petition failed.

So that’s it—the referendum effort is over, and both laws go into effect on January 1. Same sex couples can sign up for domestic partnerships with all of the state rights and responsiblities of marriage, and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is barred statewide.

But Crowe’s group is exploring a repeal effort, which would mean signature gathering would start up again soon, and go through early next summer. I’ll keep you posted!

UPDATE: Yep, 53, 875 signatures, which is a 90.15 percent validity rate. From the Elections Division…

ELECTIONS DIVISION ANNOUNCES FINAL REFERENDUM SIGNATURE VERIFICATION RESULTS FOR #304

SALEM – Today the Elections Division of the Secretary of States Office announced verification of signatures for referendum petition #304 submitted for the November 4, 2008 General Election ballot has been completed.

The result of the signature verification is referendum #304 did not contain enough valid signatures to qualify to the ballot. Referendum #304 was filed on SB 2 passed by the 2007 Oregon Legislature.

This proposed referendum required 55,179 valid signatures to gain ballot access. The referendum contains 53,875 valid signatures, or 90.15% of the 59,761 total unverified signatures submitted for verification.