The Oregon Legislature's Senate Rules Committee brought Oregon another step closer today, Thursday, June 23, toward civil unions for same-sex couples and a statewide anti-discrimination law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. With a 3-2 vote along party lines, the committee voted to move Senate Bill 1000 to a full Senate vote, which is expected to take place some time next week.

"Basic Rights Oregon has always believed that Senate Bill 1000 is the legislature's best opportunity ensure fair treatment under the law for all Oregonians and their families," said Basic Rights Oregon Executive Director Roey Thorpe. "Today's vote affirms that lawmakers are taking seriously their moral obligation not only to condemn discrimination, but to make it illegal."

Approval in the Senate, however, is only one step in the legislative process needed to make SB 1000 the law in Oregon. Once approved by the Oregon Senate, the real battle for Senate Bill 1000 will take shape in the Oregon House and opponents of fairness for GLBT Oregonians are expected to launch an all out assault on SB 1000.

With less than 30 days left in the legislative session, Basic Rights Oregon is calling on House leadership to immediately give this critical issue a fair hearing in the Oregon House and bring the bill to an up or down vote on the House floor.

"Oregon lawmakers now have it within their power say that discrimination has no place in the Oregon we all live in and love," said Thorpe. "We are counting on them to do the right thing - and to do it before the session ends."

This entry was posted on Friday, June 24, 2005 at 9:32 AM.