Watch Ballot Measure 9

Ballot Measure 9 is a powerful and emotionally charged documentary that takes a deep dive into the controversial ballot measure that proposed to amend the Oregon Constitution to prohibit any government agency from passing any law that would protect homosexuals. This measure raised a nationwide conversation on the issue of LGBTQ+ rights and sparked a vigorous debate on how a society can balance the will of the majority with the rights and dignity of a minority.

The power of the documentary lies in the personal stories that it tells. The filmmakers interview a wide range of people whose lives have been affected by the ballot measure, including politicians, activists, and ordinary citizens who face discrimination because of their sexual orientation. Through their accounts, the film brings to life the struggles and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the late 20th century and beyond.

One of the most inspiring figures in the film is Donna RedWing, a lesbian activist who played a key role in defeating the ballot measure. RedWing's intelligence, passion, and relentless dedication are vividly portrayed as she works tirelessly to rally support against the measure. Her efforts, alongside those of other activists, proved immensely successful, and the ballot measure was ultimately defeated. Saadat, a civil rights lawyer, also plays a critical part in the story. She represents the accounts of individuals who experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation, poignantly challenging the conservative views that many people held on homosexuality.

Despite the victory achieved by RedWing and other activists, the documentary does not shy away from depicting the dark underbelly of the controversy. Homophobic rhetoric is rampant throughout the film, and it is painful to watch the impact of hatred on the LGBTQ+ community. Ballot Measure 9 exposes the bigotry that lies beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary people, and it provides a sobering reminder of the magnitude of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

The film's direction is hardly subtle, but it is effective in delivering a message of hope and resilience. The dramatization of personal stories is well crafted, and the stunning imagery provides a powerful visual narrative that complements the emotional intensity of the interviews. By portraying the issue of homosexuality from the perspective of those who are directly affected by the legislation, the documentary draws the viewer into the story in a way that is both devastating and uplifting.

In summary, Ballot Measure 9 is a compelling documentary that remains as relevant today as it was when it was first created in 1995. It tells a story of oppression and discrimination, but also one of perseverance and hope. Its emphasis on personal stories is both heart-warming and heart-breaking, effectively conveying the magnitude of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the struggle for their basic rights. The success of RedWing and other activists in defeating the ballot measure is an important reminder that even the most oppressive laws can be defeated when people stand together in solidarity.

Ballot Measure 9 is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.