First off, if you haven't had a chance yet to check out the Governor's Task Force on Equality report , its worth a read. http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/pdf/letters/TaskforceOnEquality.pdf
After holding public meetings across the state with invited testimony from businesses, religious organizations, community leaders and the general public, the Task Force strongly recommended that the Governor take two actions:
Create family fairness for committed same-sex couples through civil unions, which will provide these couples and their families with benefits, protections and responsibilities similar to those granted opposite-sex couples through marriage.
Enact a comprehensive, statewide anti-discrimination law that covers housing, employment, public accommodations, public services and education on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Since that report, Basic Rights Oregon has been meeting regularly with the Governor's office and working very closely with Legislative Leadership to craft a package of legislation that will accomplish both of these goals. Because we're engaged in a thorough process to build support in the legislature before the bill language is finalized, this year is already shaping up to be our community's strongest opportunity in history to pass this pro-equality legislation.
The finishing touches are being put on the legislation in the next few weeks, and by the Day of Action (http://www.basicrights.org/news/newsitem.asp?ID=214) on March 7th - our biggest lobby day ever - BRO activists will be able to urge our legislators to VOTE YES for the specific bills that make up Basic Fairness 2007.
This is a historic and exciting time for our community. Stay tuned for more details on the specifics of the legislation, and don't miss the opportunity to be a part of making it happen this year. Join hundreds of activists from around the state and sign up now for the March 7th Day of Action!