A Long Awaited Win for Oregon Gay Rights

After roughly thirty years of ups and downs, two pieces of legislation are on their way to the Governor. Senate Bill 2 bans discrimination based on sexual orientation, and House Bill 2007 recognizes same sex domestic partnerships and extends a number of legal protections to domestic partners.

Senate Bill 2 is framed along the lines of other civil rights and affirmative action legislation, and essentially adds sexual orientation to the non-discrimination guidelines. House Bill 2007 is framed much more narrowly and defines domestic partners within the context of same sex relationships only. I had hoped that any domestic partner legislation would extend to both same sex and opposite couples. The framing of the current bill leaves heterosexual domestic partners in a lurch, and without important legal protections.

While I am happy that these basic rights have finally made it through the legislative process, I sincerely doubt that this is the end of the struggle. I am quite certain that there will be ongoing ballot initiatives to overturn the legislation. Homosexuality is still a major rallying cry for the so-called religious right - both here in Oregon and across the country. This is not an issue that will go away, but the passage of both of these bills is a huge step forward in equity legislation.

However, until then Gays and Lesbians in Oregon have become almost equal citizens. Thanks for the hard work of so many, and the courage of legislators in both parties and both of Oregon's Houses.

Legislative Summary of Senate Bill 2:

Prohibits, in specified areas of law, discrimination against persons based on sexual orientation. Defines "sexual orientation." Authorizes enforcement of prohibition through civil action for actual and punitive damages. Authorizes attorney fees in civil proceedings for unlawful discrimination. Requires state agencies to eliminate discrimination against persons based on sexual orientation.

Legislative Summary of House Bill 2007:

Establishes requirements and procedures for entering into civil union contract between individuals of same sex.

Provides that any privilege, immunity, right or benefit granted by law to individual who is or was married is granted to individual who is or was in civil union. Provides that any responsibility imposed by law on individual who is or was married is imposed on individual who is or was in civil union.

Provides that any privilege, immunity, right, benefit or responsibility granted or imposed by law to or on spouse with respect to child of either spouse is granted to or imposed on partner with respect to child of either partner.

News Articles
Domestic issue now is settled. Albany Democrat Herald. 5/03/07.

Equality bills wait gov.'s approval. Steve Haske. Vanguard. 5/03/07.