SENATE PASSES SB 1000!!
Bill which would create civil unions and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation now moves to Oregon House for approval.
The Oregon Senate cast a historic vote today when it approved by a 19-10 margin SB 1000, which would create civil unions for same-sex couples and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, public accommodations and public services.
"Today's vote is a significant step toward ensuring that in Oregon the values of fairness and equality reign over prejudice and fear," said Basic Rights Oregon Executive Director Roey Thorpe. "In approving Senate Bill 1000 the Senate has sent a clear message that discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families is wrong and has no place in the State of Oregon."
Basic Rights Oregon applauds the commitment, courage and determination of Senator Kate Brown, Senator Ben Westlund, Senator Frank Morse and Senator Alan Bates who sponsored this legislation and, along with the support of average Oregonians from across the state, made this victory possible in the Senate today. Governor Ted Kulongoski must also be acknowledged for his distinguished leadership on theses issues and his pledge do everything possible to make SB 1000 the law.
Senate Bill 1000 now faces significant challenges in the republican-controlled House of Representatives where it must meet approval before reaching the Governor's desk. Nevertheless, Basic Rights Oregon believes that if brought to a vote on the House floor, the bill will pass.
"Senate Bill 1000 is not simply another piece of legislation, but a moral call that the Senate has answered and the House must rise to meet," said Thorpe. "We call on the Speaker of the House to put people above politics and immediately bring SB 1000 to an up or down vote on the House floor."
The Oregon Senate cast a historic vote today when it approved by a 19-10 margin SB 1000, which would create civil unions for same-sex couples and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, public accommodations and public services.
"Today's vote is a significant step toward ensuring that in Oregon the values of fairness and equality reign over prejudice and fear," said Basic Rights Oregon Executive Director Roey Thorpe. "In approving Senate Bill 1000 the Senate has sent a clear message that discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families is wrong and has no place in the State of Oregon."
Basic Rights Oregon applauds the commitment, courage and determination of Senator Kate Brown, Senator Ben Westlund, Senator Frank Morse and Senator Alan Bates who sponsored this legislation and, along with the support of average Oregonians from across the state, made this victory possible in the Senate today. Governor Ted Kulongoski must also be acknowledged for his distinguished leadership on theses issues and his pledge do everything possible to make SB 1000 the law.
Senate Bill 1000 now faces significant challenges in the republican-controlled House of Representatives where it must meet approval before reaching the Governor's desk. Nevertheless, Basic Rights Oregon believes that if brought to a vote on the House floor, the bill will pass.
"Senate Bill 1000 is not simply another piece of legislation, but a moral call that the Senate has answered and the House must rise to meet," said Thorpe. "We call on the Speaker of the House to put people above politics and immediately bring SB 1000 to an up or down vote on the House floor."
This entry was posted
on Friday, July 08, 2005 at 1:22 PM.
