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

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

Today the Governor's Task Force on Equality released its recommendations to the public. These recommendations, in theory, we'd assume will be put into legislation for the 2007 legislative session.

From the Basic Rights Oregon Blog:

BRO Applauds Recommendations of Governor's Task Force on Equality

Basic Rights Oregon applauded the recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on Equality contained in a report made public by Governor Kulongoski today. The report summarizes the work of the Task Force this year and recommends two major changes to State policy: State law should prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and should provide a framework for legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

"The work and recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on Equality are meaningful because they reflect a growing recognition of the problem of discrimination and a call for full equality from a broad spectrum of community leaders across the state," said Aisling Coghlan, Basic Rights Oregon Interim Executive Director. "This report reinforces what we already know is true: most Oregonians already believe that discrimination is wrong and ought to be reflected in the laws we live by."

In a statement released by the Governor's office, Governor Kulongoski said, "This is about basic questions of fairness and equity under the law," said the Governor. "We must continue to strive to make Oregon a state of economic and social opportunity for all of our citizens, regardless of race, gender, religion, age or sexual orientation."

"We commend the Governor for his continued leadership on issues of equality and thank the Task Force members for their service on this important and historic work," said Coghlan. "We look forward to working with lawmakers in the House and Senate and with the Governor's office to make the Task Force's recommendations a reality under the law."

Read the full report here (pdf).

Labels: discrimination, gay rights, kulongoski