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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 6, 2006)
OCTOBER 6. 2006 jUStlOUt 19 jnorthwest Reproductive Rights The impact of Measure 43 on the queer community by Sassafras Lowrey eproductive rights will be in the political spotlight this November when Oregonians vote on the controversial Measure 43. Sponsored by Oregon Right to Life, this ballot measure would require that teens younger than 18 have parental permission to access an abortion. This law would specifically target teens between 15 and 17; current Oregon law requires parental notification if a girl is 14 or younger. At first glance, reproductive and queer rights do not seem to have much in common. With the amount of energy that many gays and lesbians invest in becoming pregnant, issues of birth control seem irrelevant at best. Many would be surprised to discover that queer rights and reproductive rights are actually closely connected. Choice USA, a national pro-choice group, argues, “Both the pro-choice movements and LGBT movements fight to protect the fundamen tal right to control our bodies without interference by the government.” Positing a legal connection between queer rights and reproductive rights in the 2003 case of Lawrence v. Texas, the Choice USA Web site stated: “The Supreme Court struck down ‘sodomy’ laws nationwide, affirming the right to sexual privacy between consenting adults, regardless of sexual orientation. The first six paragraphs of this ruling cited no less than five reproductive rights cases as precedents.” This legal connection is only one reason why many activists are encouraging queer people to recognize safe access to abortion as an issue directly affecting the sexual minorities community. If Measure 43 passes, critics say it would have a detrimental effect on the lives of queer youth frequently marginalized because of their sexual or gender identity by their families of origin. “One of our greatest concerns is what it does to teens who are in abusive households,” said Nancy Bennet of the No on 43 campaign. Advocates for parental notification have anticipated that argument and, according to documents from the Yes on 43 campaign, built a bypass mechanism into the law. After an adminis trative hearing, a judge could waive the parental notification requirement if notification is not in the minor’s best interests. Everything discussed in the hearing is confidential. Oregon Right to Life has a track record of homophobic actions in the queer community. “The people who are behind [Measure 43] are the same forces that have been on the wrong side of Measure 9 both in 1992 and 2000 and Measures 13 and 36, all of the anti-queer ballot measures in the last two decades throughout the state, and they are capital izing on the power that they developed during the Measure 36 campaign and using it to attack other pri vacy rights and gain political power,” said Rebekah Orr of Basic Rights Oregon. During the Measure 36 campaign, Oregon Right to Life sent out a mass mailing Oregon Right to Life is working to pass Measure 43, a controversial linking same-sex marriage to parental notification provision affecting access to abortions. increased abortion rates, thus encouraging its supporters to vote yes. On- youth. Outside In, a health facility serving home asserted that Oregon Right to Life is “making less youth, estimates that 30 percent of Oregon’s connections between these particular issues to their homeless youth are queer. Without ties to biologi base supporters and using it to build political cal families—sometimes because of abuse or power.... We need to make those same connec neglect resulting from coming out—it cannot be tions. Clearly, the queer community needs to be expected that these youth would be willing or able partnering with the choice movement.” to receive parental permission to have an abortion. Experts predict that the passage of Measure 43 In regards to the pro-choice movement, On- could have catastrophic implications to queer teens, said, “They have been such an ally for us...and it’s time for us to stand up and support them.” © whose relationships with parents are frequently strained during the coming-out process. In these The No ON 43 campaign is in need of contributions difficult and volatile situations, Measure 43 critics and volunteers. For more information call say it is not reasonable to expect that youth would feel safe having a conversation about their need or 503-234'9300 or visit www.noon43.org. desire for an abortion, as Measure 43 would require. SASSAFRAS L owrey is a Portland freelance writer. The measure poses additional risks for homeless PROTECT OUR TEEN DAUGHTERS 'Qhotographp bp cKìc/tolc Ajmonetti INTERESTED IN LIFE INSURANCE? dx OH. vents STATI FARM 'Portraits- - INSURANCE ^dullp dhfit.d J studio /// chi »V (>03) q>rr83> CALL ME!!! 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