Nike announced Tuesday it supports the Freedom to Marry and Religious Protection Initiative in Oregon, and that the company has created the Nike Equality PAC, a foundation to raise money in support of marriage equality.

The PAC begins with $280,000: A $100,000 contribution from Nike and another $180,000 from Nike executives.

Nike's marriage equality position is not surprising as it was among companies that supported Washington state's marriage equality referendum, which voters approved last year.

Nike Equality PAC will work with Oregon United for Marriage, the campaign set up by initiative-backer Basic Rights Oregon, the state's major gay rights lobby, on how best to support the initiative and spend PAC money.

Julia Brim-Edwards, Nike's senior director, global government and public affairs, is the Nike Equality PAC director, providing oversight for the funds, Nike spokeswoman Mary Remuzzi said.

While Nike could have simply issued a statement supporting gay marriage in Oregon, Remuzzi said the company chose a different approach.

"We chose to set up the Nike Equality PAC so Nike had an avenue to support campaign efforts that are directly related to winning marriage equality in Oregon," she said in a written statement. "Also ... it is important that our company's contribution only support efforts related to marriage equality versus other political issues or ballot measure campaigns, and we want to offer this option to our employees as well."

Mike Marshall, campaign manager for Oregon United for Marriage, said the organization welcomed Nike's support.

"Nike has just stood up for marriage equality in an unprecedented way, with a monumental financial contribution to support the Freedom to Marry and Religious Protection Initiative," Marshall said in a written statement. "Nike has been a leader for marriage equality, and this incredible move puts Nike out front among Oregon businesses who are taking a stand for winning the freedom to marry for Oregon's same-sex couples. We are so proud and grateful for their generous support."

Other companies and organizations linked to sports have come out in favor of the gay marriage initiative.

Columbia Sportswear chairman Tim Boyle announced last month that the company was supporting the initiative. Boyle's and Columbia's position, first reported in Willamette Week, was soon followed by announcements of support by the Portland Trail Blazers, Timbers and Thorns. Their support was soon followed by Adidas America, based in North Portland.

While Nike's announcement follows those others by about month, the company has a long history of support for equality in general and this initiative in particular, Remuzzi said in a statement.

"We led efforts starting last June to get other businesses to support the marriage equality intitative including co-hosting a breakfast with Basic Rights Oregon, drafted and circulated a CEO level coalition letter and were instrumental in building support at the Portland Business Alliance and Oregon Business Association," Remuzzi said.

Nike's statement issued Tuesday afternoon says:

The news release included a synopsis of Nike's history of equality:

-- Allan Brettman