Bend chamber members threaten exodus over gay rights
Associated Press
BEND, Ore. -- Riled by the organization's stance on gay marriages, longtime business leaders in Bend have broken rank with the city's Chamber of Commerce and are threatening an exodus. The 18-member board of the chamber voted to oppose an anti-discrimination ordinance by the City of Bend -- one which would make it illegal to discriminate against a person based on sexual orientation. On Wednesday night, after the chamber announced its stance, chamber members publicly questioned whether they would remain in the organization -- including Mike Hollern, board chairman at Brooks Resources.