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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (May 4, 2007)
northwest Took Us Long Enough Oregon passes comprehensive gay civil rights package by Jaymee R. Cuti reathe, cheer and celebrate a historic passed in both chambers April 19, in a 19-7 vote tn moment in Oregon’s history. The state the Senate and a 35-25 vote in the House of Legislature passed a civil rights package Representatives. May 2 that will give gay Oregonians the House Bill 2007, which has been touted as the rights and responsibilities of marriage. most comprehensive domestic partnership benefits Last month, the Legislature granted queers package legal in the country, passed in the House with protection from discrimination in the workplace, a 34-26 vote and 21-9 in the Senate. schools and in public accommodations. The bill faced controversy when a friendly State Sens. Kate Brown (left) and Ginny Burdick, both D-Portland, accept applause after passing And while the victory is grand—especially after amendment was introduced by lesbian state Rep. House Bill 2007. the defeat of the similar Senate Bill 1000 in the last Tina Kotek, D-North Portland, to change the legislative session and the passage of Measure 36, phrasing from “civil unions” to “domestic partner moved in 34 years, presenting the same ancient, fight off challenges to the same-sex marriage ban. the 2004 same-sex marriage ban—many remember ships.” Although the content of HB 2007 remained tired, hollow arguments," said Steven Fulmer, a long Fulmer, who has followed the path of these bills that Oregon could have been the first to pass these the same, some viewed the change as an unneces time gay civil rights activist who was founding in many forms through the decades, and the incre bills, 34 years ago. sary concession. Gay Portland City Commissioner secretary of Equity Foundation, founding general mental gains and setbacks along the way, offered “Oregon should have been among the first Sam Adams defended the change, calling it the manager of the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus and this perspective. “Although we’ve won our rights states. That’s been a major disappointment for “same package, different wrapping.” a founding member of Cascade AIDS Project. and obtained one of the most comprehensive everyone who has been active in gay rights in Nondiscrimination, perceived as the “bread and While the bills prepare for a festive signing event domestic partnership bills in the nation, we still Oregon,” recalled Portland attorney and activist butter” measure to domestic partnerships’ “icing on May 9 at the Capitol, with a performance by the have a long way to go, and we’ve learned that from Charles Hinkle, who argued the first gay anti the cake,” faced the most opposition. Most of the chonis singing “America the Beautitvl,” political our other minority friends,” he said. “Most preju discrimination case in the state against a school controversy surrounded its religious exemptions organizers are steadying for a potential final battle. dice exists in the hearts and minds of people. We board in Turner that fired a lesbian teacher on clause, which was revised during committee work ses If the bills are not challenged by the opposition, need to hold hands with all groups that are margin grounds of her orientation in 1972. He has since sions. The bill’s religious exemption allows churches they will be implemented Jan. 1, 2008. Those alized and stand up for the rights of anyone who is testified in nearly every legislative session in to not hire people if their sexual orientation is in con opposed to SB 2 or HB 2007 would need to gather labeled different and whose societal role is dimin support of a gay rights bill. flict with church tenets, as long as employment is 55,000-plus signatures within 90 days of the close ished. We do that by coming out and teaching our children." © The concept of granting equal rights to gays and related to the primary purpose of the church. of the legislative session to bring this bill to a refer lesbians has been kicked around every legislative To the frustration of gay rights activists, other endum, which the entire state would vote on. The session since 1973. Some say this successful out resistance to Senate Bill 2 echoed concerns dating Oregon Family Council, the group behind Measure B asic R ights O regon commemorates the come is explained by the makeup of the progressive back to the '70s about sharing bathrooms and lock signing of Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007 with 36, announced April 24 that despite its disapproval er rooms with queers. Democrats leading the legislative chambers. a community celebration 5 p.m. May 10 of the measure, it would not seek a referendum on Senate Bill 2, the nondiscrimination measure, “I was very struck by how little people had Senate Bill 2. Instead, it is conserving resources to at Q Center, 69 S.E. Taylor St. B
