More than 500 Oregonians Rally and Lobby to Advocate for Basic Fairness in Oregon

Families, couples and individuals gather to hear ringing endorsements for equality from the full range of Oregon's elected leadership.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - More than 500 Oregonians rallied on the steps of the Oregon State Capitol today in support of Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007.

Together, the two bills would create basic fairness and basic rights for all Oregonians regardless of their sexual orientation.

SB 2 would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations and other areas. HB 2007 would create a new statute in Oregon law to provide legal recognition to committed same-sex couples and their families.

Dignitaries attending the event included Governor Ted Kulongoski, Senate President Peter Courtney, House Speaker Jeff Merkley, Representative Tina Kotek, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams and Christine Chavez, granddaughter of civil rights champion Cesar Chavez.

Governor Kulongoski closed out the rally with a decisive speech boosting the passage of both pieces of legislation. “This session is THE session where we will succeed in making long overdue changes to Oregon law – changes that will finally afford all Oregonians the same rights and protections – ending discrimination once and for all,” said the Governor.

"Today’s outpouring of support just goes to show what a different – and more positive – environment 2007 is compared with 2005,” said Aisling Coghlan, Interim Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon. “Legislators are clearly eager to move forward with these protections, critical for so many Oregonians and their families.”

Reemphasizing his commitment to passage of both bills, Kulongoski said, “It is the policy of my administration – and my deep personal belief – that creating civil unions for gays and lesbians is no less important than ending discrimination against gays and lesbians. As far as I’m concerned, they stand on the same moral plane.”

Senate President Courtney also today announced the first action to be taken on the Basic Fairness legislative package. The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear testimony on SB2 next Monday, March 12th.