(From The Oregonian, I think Aug. 10 --Alan) State refuses to block votes on anti-gay rights initiatives o The state elections director tells the ACLU that it will advise local officials to place the measures on the ballot if they have enough valid signatures The secretary of state's office has refused to block several localities from holding September elections on anti-gay rights initiatives sponsored by the Oregon Citizens Alliance. The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon had asked the state to halt the elections on the grounds they conflicted with a new state law that prohibits local governments from singling out groups or individuals on the basis of sexual orientation. State Elections Director Colleen Sealock sent a letter to the ACLU saying it would advise local officials to place the measures on the ballot if they have enough valid signatures. The attorney general's office earlier had said it believed the new law - House Bill 3500 - would block enforcement of the initiatives if they passed - but couldn't stop the elections themselves. Currently, seven anti-gay rights initiatives are scheduled to go before voters Sept. 21. Cottage Grove, also originally slated for a September vote, postponed the election until May in hopes the questions raised by HB3500 will be resolved. Meanwhile, both sides are rushing to court. OCA Chairman Lon Mabon on Monday filed a lawsuit in Marion County Circuit Court to strike down HB3500, which the Legislature passed last month. Mabon's suit alleges the new law "violates the natural right inherent in the people to alter the government in such a manner as they may think proper" as provided in the Oregon Constitution. In contrast, Charles Hinkle, an ACLU cooperating attorney, said he planned to file lawsuits in Clackamas County Circuit Court to block elections scheduled for Sept. 21 in Estacada and Molalla.