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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 22, 1987)
Portland rally to support House bill that would stop gay discrimination Bv Shawn Wirt/. Of th<- hmrrrflri A rally will be held in Portland tonight in support of a House bill introduced Friday that, if passed, will prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. “Essentially we’re talking about an omnibus bill that relates to discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.’’ said Dave Fidanque, associate direc tor of the American Civil Liber ties Union of Oregon. The ACHJ and several religious, feminist and gay ac tivist organizations are sponsors of the proposal. “We have spent a great deal of time over the last few months trying to build a broad base of support," Fidan que said. Current state law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. race, religion, national origin, age and marital status. “What we're talking about is adding the phrase sexual orien tation to that list.“ Fidanque said. Homosexuals are the “one minority group in our society against whom there is a groat deal of discrimination that is not protected by state laws.” Fidanque said. The bill is an ef fort at extending the civil rights protections other groups in society already have, he said. Discrimination in reaction to the AIDS virus, which is most prevalent in homosexual men, has in some ways pushed the need for the bill. Fidanque said. People with physical or men tal handicaps already are pro tected against discrimination by law. and last year Labor and In dustries Commissioner Mary Wendy Roberts determined that AIDS victims fall under tin; category of physically han dicapped. Fidanque said. “The problem is that it’s very subtle discrimination," Fidan que said. For example, he said, many times someone only suspected of being gay is fired. “I could tell you story after story about what has happened to people concerning medical care and housing.” said I.isa “Tora” Shulman. a member of the University Clay and Lesbian Alliance and the AC1LII Com mission on (lav and Lesbian Rights. The commission is a statewide organization “trying to help get the nuts-and-bolts grass roots together,” Fidanque said. The commission hopes to raise $10,000 to hire a lobbyist for this issue specifically, and Fidanque expects pledges of up to $5,000 after tonight's rally, he said. "Many people feel that they can't come into this office because they’re afraid their career would he in danger." Shulman said. As an example of discrimination she cited a rental Cash For Textbooks Mon. - Fri. Smith Family Bookstore 768 E. 13th 1 Block From Campus 345-1651 agency employe** who told a friend that they didn't rent to "dykes." "YVe aren’t unrealistic in thinking that we can legislate feelings." Shulman said. Fidan (jue added. "We expect the op ponents will be there as they have in the past.” However, both are hopeful that the legislation will be suc cessful. "For the first time in eight years we have a governor who would not veto it and in fact would support it. That’s the critical thing.” Fidanque said. The rally will he held at tin* Portland Metropolitan Com munity Church at the corner of N.K. 24th and Broadway. Secretary of State Barbara Roberts will address tin* crowd. ()pt*n ' pm It) Ulpm START YOUR CLASSES ON THE RIGHT FOOT. . . With Nike Air Aerobic, Basketball, Raquetball, and Indoor Soccer shoes. 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