First let me just say, we've got some elections fraud on our hands. With the tens of thousands of dollars that David Crowe at 'Restore America' claimed to have received in donations that were meant for their political action committee (PAC) that in fact never was legally a PAC - other than the fact that he started a corporation called "Concerned Oregonians PAC".

A quickie in Oregon politics: you can call yourself a PAC all day - but at the end of the day if you haven't actually legally formed a true PAC - you aren't a PAC. Hence the elections violation complaint filed by Ellen Lowe regarding the anti-gay's fraudulent fundraising tactics.

Quick refresher. David's Crowe's defunct group "Concerned Oregonians PAC" was in fact a corporation, not a political action committee although they claimed that any individual could donate up to $50 and married couples could donate up to $100 that would be tax-deductible via Oregon's political tax credit.

The issue? THEY LIED. They defrauded Oregonians -- and David Crowe has since moved to Tennessee in the past couples of weeks - at least that is what he tells the New York Times.

What deeply rooted Christian values!

In our next post today we're going to breakdown who gave money and just as important - who didn't give money to the Chief Petitioner's PAC's for referendum #303 and #304 - one an attempt to overturn Oregon's Domestic Partnership law and the other an attempt to overturn Oregon's anti-discrimination law.

Look for that later today.

Labels: anti-discrimination, domestic partnership, HB 2007, oregon, SB 2

David Crowe of the defunked and illegal 'political action committee' called Concerned Oregonians is crying fowl weeks after his failed referendum attempt.

From OregonLive today:

Opponents of the domestic partnership bill that passed the Legislature are still trying to get the law referred to the ballot, even though the secretary of state's office ruled earlier this month that they fell 116 valid signatures short of the 55,179 required by law.

The Medford Mail Tribune reports that opponents of the law - which allows same-sex couples to form domestic partnerships that include many of the legal protections given to married couples - are pressuring the Jackson County Clerk Kathy Beckett to count several signatures she had earlier invalidated.

Because the secretary of state validates petitions by using just a sample of the signatures, opponents figure they can make up their deficit by persuading the clerk to allow just six of the invalidated signatures to be counted. The group seeking the referendum, Concerned Oregonians, has rounded up eight people who say they signed the petition but had their signatures unfairly invalidated.

At this point, Beckett gives no indication she will change her mind. But if nothing else, it's a sign of how every angle of Oregon's initiative and referendum process is coming under intense scrutiny and pressure.

Give up already. When gay and lesbian Oregonians lost Constitutional Amendment 36 in 2004, sure we cried and were deeply upset - upset for very good reasons. Oregon's Constitution was scarred that fateful day. It was no longer the Constitution of the people, it was the Constitution for some.

Now, after your blatant failure to put the 26th and 27th (I think) anti-gay measure on the ballot (more than any other state in the nation) you are crying fowl. Take your defeat as just that. Oregonians simply aren't into your politics of bigotry and fear. That was so 2004.

You claim that Oregon's new Domestic Partnership law "violates the intent of Oregon voters who in 2004 adopted a constitutional ban on gay marriage." So why go through all these months of collecting tens of thousands of signatures?

If it was violating Measure 36 then you would file a lawsuit. If in fact it did violate Measure 36, you would win. I will give you some credit here though. Deep down you know that Domestic Partnerships in no way violate Measure 36--nor the "spirit of Measure 36". Hence why you and your fellow self-righteous bigots have failed to do so.

You also fail to notice that the proponents of Measure 36 have stepped back and are not participating in the referendum attempt. They even know that Domestic Partnerships are a far cry from marriage.

"The spirit of Measure 36"... what exactly is that? The way I see it the spirit of Measure 36 is damn evil by not only permanently inscribing blatant discrimination in Oregon's most sacred document, by locking Oregon families out of vital rights, protections and responsibilities.

I think families are the backbone of society, whereas you could not be further away from this belief. Selectively shutting out couples, especially with children from protecting one another is just plain wrong. As one of your cohorts said in a voter guide statement: "Speaking of families, raising a successful and loving family in the '90's can be challenging".

Damn right--10 years later it's even harder.

Now you are also falsely claiming that:

"...the legislature's results fail to provide a sufficient religious exemption to protect churches and religious organizations from being forced to hire homosexual individuals, and further it leaves to "a court to decide what is or is not closely connected with the primary purposes of the church."

The pair of plans also would require school districts to teach homosexual, bisexuality and transgenderism in their classrooms, and the domestic partnership proposal itself, would create discrimination."

Must I again remind you that the proponents of Measure 36, the Oregon Family Council decided not to involve themselves in the referendum attempt. In fact they called the religious expemtion "iron clad."

Let it go. Oregonians just aren't that into you.

Labels: 2008 elections, anti gay, anti-discrimination, domestic partnership, HB 2007, house bill 2007, oregon, referendum, SB 2, senate bill 2

Today in the Daily Astorian there is a fantastic editorial blasting the individuals and groups who are leading a referendum effort on the two gay rights bills signed by Gov. Kulongoski last week. While we wouldn't normally put an entire editorial up here, it's worth it.

We don't need to fight this battle again
Newcomers to this state have always had some trouble with Oregon's libertarian you-leave-me-alone, I'll-leave-you-alone conservatism. This is especially true of newcomers of the authoritarian fundamentalist Christian variety who confuse it with "liberalism."

In the early 1990s, newcomer Lon Mabon became alarmed at Oregonians' toleration for homosexuals and formed The Oregon Citizens Alliance. The OCA put several initiatives on the ballot prohibiting state and local governments and public schools from "promoting" homosexuality by saying anything about not discriminating against homosexuals.

The OCA's Measure 9 was defeated in 1992, but the Christian Right became increasingly shrill, and eventually put Measure 36 on the ballot - a state constitutional amendment declaring marriage must be between a man and a woman. It passed.

During the campaign on Measure 36, some of its most vocal supporters declared they were only protecting the "sanctity of marriage" and did not oppose laws that would give same sex couples the domestic legal protections that heterosexual couples had.

With that distinction in mind, the Legislature passed and Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed Senate Bill 2 banning discrimination against homosexuals in housing, workplaces and places of public accommodation like restaurants or theaters. The Legislature also passed House Bill 2007, creating domestic partnerships that grant committed same-sex couples similar legal benefits in taxation, insurance, hospitalization, etc. that heterosexual couples have.

Then Jack Brown of Grants Pass, the chairman of the Constitution Party of Oregon, announced he is circulating a petition to refer both bills to the voters. Brown says the bills "violate the spirit" of Measure 36. They do not, of course. The bills simply violate Brown's personal prejudices.

The Constitution Party, headed by former Republican Howard Phillips, openly advocates theocratic, Christian government for the United States, so Brown is likely to have national money to hire signature gathers and buy their way onto the ballot as many interest groups have done in recent years.

Labels: HB 2007, house bill 2007, oregon, referendum, SB 2, senate bill 2

Today, Governor Kulongsoski signed into law a domestic partnership bill that would extend to same-sex couples the rights, benefits and responsibilities currently only available via a marriage contract... BUT only valid within the state of Oregon.

Today he also signed into law a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill that will outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodation, public education etc. Religious employers, institutions and organizations are exempt from this new law.

What an amazing day to be an Oregonian. Both laws go into effect Jan. 1, 2008.

Check out this viedo from the signing:

Labels: anti-discrimination, domestic partnership, HB 2007, house bill 2007, kulongoski, legislature, SB 2, senate bill 2

Tomorrow, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski will sign Oregon's Domestic Partnership bill and a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill. The day has finally come. 34 years after the first anti-discrimination bill was introduced.

Tomorrow Oregon will also become the first state in the U.S. to pass any sort of relationship rights law after passing a constitutional amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples. There is no doubt that Domestic Partnerships are not marriage, but this bill is an amazing step forward in proving the invaluable rights to Oregon families who are currently otherwise unprotected.

The domestic partnership bill is obviously not portable to any other state, therefore as a couple you are legally strangers in the eyes of that state if you travel. It also doesn't afford to couples and their families the 1,138 rights and immunities granted at the federal level.

Again, that said, absolutely amazing! Tomorrow is historic in every way. Way to go Oregon, I'm proud to call you home.

-GS

Labels: anti-discrimination, domestic partnership, gay rights, HB 2007, house bill 2007, oregon, SB 2, senate bill 2

Done and done. Today, by a vote of 21-9 the Oregon Senate has voted to approve domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. Just weeks ago the Oregon Legislature passed a statewide anti-discrimination bill that includes sexual orientation and gender identity--becoming the 18th state to do so.

What an amazing day for all Oregonians.

Labels: anti-discrimination, domestic partnership, gay rights, HB 2007, legislature, oregon, SB 2

In a newsletter to his constituents, Oregon State Rep. Dennis Richardson (R - Central Point) made a statement comparing the horrific events at Virginia Tech to the Oregon House passing Senate Bill 2 (Anti-Discrimination) and House Bill 2007 (Domestic Partnerships).

This is surprisingly low--even for Rep. Richardson.

Here are his statements:

This past week has been like no other. On Monday the world witnessed the tragedy at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. On Tuesday Oregon witnessed the passage of Domestic Benefits for same-sex couples (HB 2007) and Civil Rights based on sexual orientation. I will address each of these issues below and end will a postscript on last week’s Rachel story.

If that quote makes you feel the same way it made me feel, here is his office phone number in Salem: 503-986-1404 and his email rep.dennisrichardson@state.or.us.

Rep. Richardson owes Oregonians an apology.

Labels: anti gay, gay rights, HB 2007, oregon, republican, SB 2

Yesterday, Governor Chris Gregoire signed into law, legislation to give gay and lesbian couples some of the rights that come with marriage.

The domestic partnership bill will create a domestic partnership registry with the state, and provide enhanced rights for same-sex couples, including hospital visitation rights, the ability to authorize autopsies and organ donations and inheritance rights when there is no will.

To be registered, couples would have to share a home, not be married or in a domestic relationship with someone else, and be at least 18.

Now, California and Washington both have domestic partnership laws on the book. The two vary in the amount of rights given to those couples in the Domestic Partnership. Washington's give about a dozen rights and protections, whereas California's law is more expansive.

Oregon will soon be next on the short list of states that offer domestic partnerships benefits at a statewide level. Oregon's House Bill 2007 passed the Oregon House 34-26 this past week and is heading to the Oregon Senate shortly. This week Oregon also passed Senate Bill 2, The Oregon Equality Act, which will ban discrimination based on sexual orientation (GLBT or straight) in areas such as housing, employment, public accommodation and public education. The Governor has pledged to sign both bills when they reach his desk.

Labels: anti-discrimination, california, domestic partnership, gay rights, HB 2007, legislature, oregon, SB 2, washington

Today in the Oregon Senate, Senate Bill 2, a bill that will ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing and public accommodation passed in a concurrence vote (they had to concur with the House amendment on the religious exemption).

So that's that folks! 34 years in the making! 17 consecutive legislative session and 2007 was the year it finally passed. The Governor has 30 days from now to sign the bill which he has promised to do.

Basic Rights Oregon blogged live today from the floor session, you can read it here.

-G.S.

Labels: basic rights oregon, gay rights, legislature, oregon, SB 2

When the extremists aren't extreme enough. The crazies must step in. Today, I personally got a chance to witness the Oregon House votes on SB 2 and HB 2007. I also happened to be on my cell phone outside of the House Gallery while David Crowe of "Restore America" was also on his cell phone talking to a fellow extremist as they planned their next moves... meaning their next email.

Here it is...

House Defies the People of Oregon: Enshrines Another form of Marriage and Morality Into Oregon Law
April 17, 2007

LAKE OSWEGO, Oregon - By a vote of 34-26 along party lines, the Oregon House of Representatives Voted today to override the will of the Oregon people, instituting same sex marriage by another name, 'domestic partnerships,' formerly titled 'civil unions.'

With every House democrat and three republicans voting for the first of Governor Kulongoski's political payoff bills, the House defied the people of Oregon who clearly said in 2004 that they wanted marriage to be between a man and a woman only.

Installing Coerced Acceptance of Immoral Behavior
By a vote of 35 to 25 with the same three republicans and one more joining all the democrats, the House completely ignored the well reasoned, objective, and clearly demonstrated objections to the bill by House Republicans.
In effect, they ignored the wisdom of several millennia, basing their arguments not on facts, but anecdotal stories, even asserting that all the categories provided protections in SB 2 were biologically determined, when in fact there is not one shred of evidence to support their position.

In short it was a scene of the worst sort of obfuscation, assertion without facts, feelings without wisdom, and political chicanery you can imagine. Clearly, there was an agenda without factual support, and the democrats could not withstand the truth. So they ignored it for what they believed was political benefit, to them and their supporters.

What Now?
The people of Oregon deserve people in office who respect their wishes, not those of a small minority who wish to impose their morality upon others while forcing acquiescence by using the authority of human law, in disregard of God's Law.
Our next step in opposing these bills is a Referral to the people of Oregon. They have the right to approve or disapprove the actions of the legislature. And considering the clear disinterest of the democrat majority to honor the will of the people, that is what should be done.

Given the fact that the Oregon Family Council (OFC) has stated publicly that they do not intend to initiate a referral, Restore America will. Christians are commanded to love our neighbor, not just place sandbags around the church to the neglect of those we, and He, say He loves. We are to stand for Truth and Righteousness, and that we shall do.

55,179 valid signatures of registered voters is required to place the Referendum on the next General Election Ballot. These laws would not go into effect until 30 days after that election.

Please continue to read and forward our Updates, Alerts, and Commentaries. More details will follow in the next few days.

How Our Representatives Voted
My next email will outline how our representatives voted. For now, it is important to get this information to you as quickly as possible.

"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15
"Be not deceived, God is not mocked." Galatians 6:7
"If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
"We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Romans 8:37
"Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee." I Chronicles 22:16

David Crowe
Executive Director

So there you have it. Not only do you have your fill of Bible verses for the day, you also see that "Restore America" doesn't think that The Oregon Family Council is extreme enough and that SB 2 and HB 2007 will go to the ballot on "Restore America's" dime.

Labels: anti-discrimination, domestic partnership, HB 2007, oregon, referendum, SB 2

Today in the Oregon House, two major pro-equality bills passed.

Senate Bill 2, which would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in situations like employment, housing and piblic accommodation passed the House in a vote of 35-25.

House Bill 2007, which would grant same-sex couples many of the rights currenly only available to straight married couples--via Domestic Partnerships--passed 34-26.

It is a great day for Oregon. A very great day.

To take a look back at Basic Rights Oregon's "live blogging" from the vote, click here.

-GS

Labels: anti-discrimination, basic rights oregon, discrimination, gay rights, HB 2007, legislature, oregon, SB 2

Tomorrow, House Bill 2007 and Senate Bill 2 will get their first chance in the Oregon House. Basic Rights Oregon says that they will have live blog coverage starting right before floor session (session starts at 10am) tomorrow. We'll put a link up as soon as they have it up.

Tomorrow shall prove to be one of the biggest day in queer rights history in Oregon--and this time for the good.

Good night all! Here is to a successful tomorrow! I am going to try and be there during the vote, just can't promise it.

-Gavin

Labels: basic rights oregon, domestic partnership, gay rights, HB 2007, legislature, oregon, SB 2

Just a quick update: Senate Bill 2 was just moments ago passed out of the Oregon House Rules Committee in a 5-1 vote.

Now both House Bill 2007 (domestic partnerships) and Senate Bill 2 (Anti-discrimination) will head to the floor for a full vote in the House.

-GS

Labels: anti-discrimination, domestic partnership, gay rights, HB 2007, legislature, oregon, SB 2

This morning, the Oregon House Elections, Ethics and Rules Committee voted 5-2 in bipartisan support to recommend due pass on House Bill 2007.

For over six hours yesterday the committee heard testimony on this bill and Senate Bill 2, a bill that would ban discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation. This morning's work session was supposed to be on both SB 2 and HB 2007, but the committee needed more time to go through the testimony on Senate Bill 2, as most of the testimony was geared at that one. It seems that the already broad religious exemption is the main argument from the extremely right-leaning Christian right who oppose it. There may be discussion on that this evening at 5pm.

The problem is that these people who oppose the religious exemption as written are not simply opposed to the religious exemption as we heard loud and clear during testimony last night. They are simply anti-gay.

More to come.

For more related to these two bills:
House Bill 2007
Senate Bill 2
Oregon's Civil Rights Fight

Labels: anti-discrimination, domestic partnership, gay rights, HB 2007, legislature, oregon, SB 2

So I'm sitting here at the Capitol waiting for the hearing on Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007 to begin. I got here pretty early and was lucky to witness the "Youth Morality". It was quite disgusting. If they were a "shining example" of youth morality--it's pretty damn sad. These 16, 17 and 18 year old kids had no clue why they were there other than to be used as pawns by the Oregon Family Council.

They came by the hundreds with stickers that read SB 2 & HB 2007 with a big "X" through it. Many of them are wearing about 5 of those all over their bodies and some had "One Man. One Woman. Yes on 36" bumper stickers on their backs. It is quite disgusting. I wanted to say to them, "That was so three years ago". But the humor would have been lost on them for a number of reasons. The main reason being that 95% of them only spoke Russian. Another funny observation was that many of these people were not even of voting age. Half of them didn't know why they were there and the other half would say "fag" or "dyke" as people on our side of the argument walked by them (which is a bit unavoidable as they are all out in the galleria).

Another funny thing that I noticed is that these boys are wearing these anti-gay stickers all over there body-yet sporting Dolce & Gabanna from head to toe. Did I mention Senate Bill 2 would cover perceived or real sexual orientation? 'Nuff said.

And finally the sad reality of the night was that you know there were plenty of closeted young adults there who are dragged out by their parents or by their Russian Orthodox youth group. I truly feel sorry for them.

-G.S.

Labels: anti gay, anti-discrimination, civil union, domestic partnership, gay rights, HB 2007, legislature, oregon, SB 2

This morning the Oregon House Elections, Ethics and Rules Committee began to hear invited testimony on Oregon's House Bill 2007 and Senate Bill 2. Testimony was quite controlled, although it should get pretty nasty (from the opposition). They pull out all the Focus on the Family and right-wing hate group rhetoric.

It seems that the only arguement that they can actually try and put some muscle behind is the religious exemption in the bill. For more on that read this previous post.

Anyway, I plan on being at the public testimony tonight at 5:30pm--plans are for it to end at 9:30pm. Things are looking good though.

-GS

Labels: basic rights oregon, domestic partnership, HB 2007, legislature, oregon, SB 2

Just a quick update. This morning we heard news that Senate Bill 2 (statewide anti-discrimination) and HB 2007 (would legally recognize same-sex relationships) will get hearings on Monday, April 9th at 5:30pm in the Oregon House Elections, Ethics and Rules Committee.

For a refresher: Senate Bill 2, which would ban discrimination based on sexual orientaion (straight & queer) passed the Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee by a 3-1 vote. It later moved to the Oregon Senate and passed 21-7. Now it is moving to the House, and House Bill 2007 that would grant a number of rights similar to that afforded to staright couples on the state level via marriage, will get its first hearing, then will move on to the Senate for a yay or nay vote.

More to come on Monday.

-GS

Labels: basic rights oregon, civil union, discrimination, gay rights, HB 2007, legislature, oregon, SB 2

Today in an overwhelming show of support against discrimination, the Oregon Senate voted 21-7 on Senate Bill 2, a bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in Oregon.

Obviously, with a vote of 21, there were plenty of Republicans who stood shoulder-to-shoulder against discrimination.

Unlike last session with SB 1000, the floor speeches for SB 2 were much shorter and just as expected. The extreme right-wing argued about the "lack of religious exemptions" even though there is a VERY broad exemption for churches (see last post). They claimed that if there was a larger religious exemption, that they would have voted for it. BULLSHIT.

Why is that? Because not only is there an amazingly broad religious exemption in Senate Bill 2, there is also the Oregon State and Federal Constitution that clearly lays that out in not only the 1st, but also the 14th.

Now it's on to the Oregon House! Here is a list of the 21 amazing Oregon Senators that voted to stamp out discrimination:

Sen. Brad Avakian
Sen. Alan Bates
Sen. Majority Leader Kate Brown
Sen. Ginny Burdick
Sen. President Peter Courtney
Sen. Ryan Deckert
Sen. Richard Devlin
Sen. Avel Gordly
Sen. Betsy Johnson
Sen. Rick Metsger
Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson
Sen. Rod Monroe
Sen. Bill Morrisette
Sen. Frank Morse
Sen. David Nelson
Sen. Floyd Prozanski
Sen. Kurt Schrader
Sen. Joanne Verger
Sen. Vicki Walker
Sen. Ben Westlund
Sen. Jackie Winters

Then there were also two Senators that were excused from the vote today. Sen. Carter and Sen. Atkinson.

-GS

Labels: basic rights oregon, discrimination, gay rights, legislature, SB 2

Tomorrow, the Oregon Senate is expected to vote and pass Senate Bill 2, The Oregon Equality Act. The Oregon Equality Act is a bill designed to ban discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender folks in areas of housing, employment and public accommodation.

Session starts tomorrow between 10am-11am. Once passed in the Senate, it'll move over to the Oregon House and it is expected to pass there as well. Governor Kulongoski has pledged to sign the bill. The passage of of Senate Bill 2 will make Oregon the 18th state in the U.S. to have some sort of anti-discrimination legislation protecting the GLBT community. Washington State was the 17th.

More to come tomorrow.

Labels: basic rights oregon, discrimination, gay rights, oregon, SB 2

Since introduced in Oregon on February 26th, Senate Bill 2, The Oregon Equality Act--a bill that would outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation is moving quickly. It had its Senate hearing just 15 days later on March 13th, passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee after 6 hours of public testimony, and now is looking to find its place on the Oregon Senate floor any day now.

In the other chamber, House Bill 2007 (Civil unions) are moving at a different pace. After talking to a few staffers in Salem this week it sounds as if HB 2007, the Oregon Family Fairness Act (civil unions) will get its first hearing in early April, the house will vote out SB 2 and then send Hb 2007 on to the Oregon House for a vote, then it's on the Governor Kulongoski for two big fat signatures.

Loves it.

-G.S.

Labels: civil union, discrimination, legislature, oregon, SB 2

Tonight, the Oregon senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2, the bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. The bill passed on a 3-1 vote, with Sen. Beyer absent from the vote. Senate Bill 2 would ban legalized discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Oregon--a bill that is over 3 decades in the making... or is it three decades overdue?

In any case, it is on its way to the Senate floor. Fmr. Oregon Senator Starr opened the day by letting the committee know that "Gays have an average lifespan of 40 years" and that "Gays on average will have 4 STD's". Good to know right? This in comparison was better to last sessions comment on the "amount of fecal matter one consumes in their lifetime". No yeah, this guy believes what he is saying.

From BRO:

Today, after 6 hours of public and invited testimony--the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2, The Oregon Equality Act, by a 3-1 vote. The Oregon Equality Act is a bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Oregon and ensure basic fairness to all of Oregon's citizens.

"Today's vote is a significant step toward ensuring that in Oregon the inherent values of fairness and equality reign over prejudice and fear,” said Basic Rights Oregon Interim Executive Director Aisling Coghlan. "In passing Senate Bill 2 the Senate Judiciary Committee has sent a clear message that discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families is wrong and has absolutely no place in the State of Oregon."

Basic Rights Oregon applauds the commitment, courage and determination of Committee Chair, Senator Ginny Burdick, Senator Vicki Walker, and Senator Floyd Prozanski who sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee and voted in favor of basic fairness for all Oregonians.

Senate Bill 2 will now move to the Senate Floor for a full vote.

So here we go again. Most of us will remember Senate Bill 1000 last session here in Oregon. SB 1000 would have not only banned discrimination based on sexual orientation, as well as created civil unions for same-sex couples.

Labels: basic rights oregon, discrimination, legislature, oregon, SB 2

Oregon's Senate Bill 2, the "Oregon Equality Act", a bill that would ban discrimination against GLBT folks in employment, housing and public accommodation, looks to be on a fast track.

On Thursday it was announced that a hearing had been scheduled by the Senate Judiciary Committee for this Monday at 5:30pm. If this is anything like last session, it could go very late into the night, as in into the wee morning hours. Hopefully that won't be the case.

From Basic Rights Oregon:

With the Day of Action being such a huge success, the Oregon Senate scheduled a hearing this Monday! On Thursday, the Senate confirmed that a public hearing on Senate Bill 2 – the Oregon Equality Act – is scheduled for THIS MONDAY the 12th at 5:30pm at the Capitol.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing open to the public on SB 2, a comprehensive bill that would outlaw discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation based on sexual orientation. Basic Rights Oregon is strongly encouraging our community and allies to attend this hearing if at all possible.

It is unsure if the committee would do a work session following the testimony. If they did, and subsequently voted it out of committee, SB 2 would be well on its way to the Senate Floor and then onto the House for a vote.

Labels: basic rights oregon, discrimination, gay rights, kulongoski, oregon, SB 2

Basic Rights Oregon officially announced that today the Oregon Legislature introduced two pieces of legislation. One would be a civil union/domestic partnership bill. The other would be a statewide anti-discrimination law that would outlaw discrimination in employment, housing, public acommodations etc.

From BRO:

Two pieces of vital legislation were introduced today, together aimed at ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Oregon. These bills, HB 2007 and SB 2, implement the recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on Equality – a diverse committee of business, clergy and civil rights advocates from across Oregon. The Task Force invested seven months in assessing current Oregon law, analyzing applicable legal precedent, and listening to public testimony at open meetings across the state. Based on this process, the Task Force recommended action on both anti-discrimination and relationship recognition legislation this legislative session.

So it sounds as if the anti-discrimination will originate in the Oregon Senate and the "relationship recognition" will start off in the Oregon House.

Continued:

House Bill 2007, the Oregon Family Fairness Act, would:
Create a new Oregon law to legally recognize the committed relationships of same-sex couples and their families. While this legal recognition is not the same as marriage, it would confer on same-sex couples certain legal protections, rights and responsibilities similar to those generally afforded to opposite couples through marriage.

[...]

Senate Bill 2, The Oregon Equality Act, would:
Amend Oregon's existing non-discrimination laws to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, public accommodation, education and public services statewide.

Currently, there is nothing in state statute making it illegal to evict a good tenant, deny a patron service at a restaurant or refuse to hire a qualified candidate just because of a person's real or perceived sexual orientation. While non-discrimination ordinances have been successfully implemented in a handful of Oregon cities and counties, this has resulted in an inconsistent patchwork of laws across Oregon.

So there you have it. It is offical. Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007.

Labels: basic rights oregon, civil union, discrimination, HB 2007, oregon, SB 2