Equality bills wait gov.’s approval

Legislation that would create a statewide policy banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and legalized domestic partnerships could set a precedent for Oregon equal rights laws.

The two bills, Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007, would provide for statewide protection for the gay community, and now await the governor’s signature before they become law.

“Despite the fact that there are a lot of differences than marriage, it’s a huge step forward,” said Melissa Chernaik, interim communications director of Basic Rights Oregon, a sexual orientation and gender identity advocacy group, on HB 2007. “It has over 500 protection rights and responsibilities that married couples have.”

Several people testified in Salem in favor of the bill, explaining what a difference it would make in their families, Chernaik said. The bill passed the House 34-26 on April 17.

A domestic partnership provides legal protection, rights and responsibilities similar to rights received in a marriage, but differs on the level of protection.

“Domestic partnerships only go to the borders of Oregon,” said Chernaik. “A couple only gets state’s rights. Not federal.”

Although a domestic partnership does not grant some of the benefits of marriage, such as tax breaks, it does allow a couple hospital visitation rights, power of attorney and the authority to make medical decisions in the event of an accident.

“I personally believe that it’s time there’s a policy to protect gay and lesbian couples,” said Casey Payseno, who works at the PSU Queer Resource Center. “Currently we are not protected in any level, federal or state. This is a start for getting protection.”

Senate Bill 2, which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, passed on April 19. If the bill becomes law, it would protect the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) community members in the workplace and in public places, such as hotels and restaurants.

“Basic Rights Oregon feels that these are tremendous steps forward towards basic fairness,” Chernaik said. “Senate Bill 2 was 34 years in the making. This is an incredibly historic time.”

Members of the PSU Queer Resource Center say they are excited about the bill.

“I know this organization plans on throwing a party to celebrate if it passes,” said Aether McKinley, who also works at the center. “A lot of people support it-it means a lot to have the opportunity to know the protection of legal rights will be there in the future.”

McKinley said that both bills are an important step towards achieving equality among GLBT Oregonians, as well as furthering his own plans for the future.

“I think it’s really significant for us to have a legal standing as a couple,” McKinley said about his life with his partner. “We want to adopt and buy a home together. Even though domestic partnership isn’t marriage, it’s something to mark that we’re legally bound while we wait for a legal marriage.”

If the heterosexual community sees that legalizing domestic partnerships for gays and lesbians is not such a bad thing, McKinley said, the issue will become more relaxed and hopefully move forward.

Payseno said that homosexual families are no different than heterosexual families.

“Adding orientation and granting benefits isn’t going to collapse society,” he said. “Hopefully other states will get on board. I know Washington is working on one.”

The bills currently await Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s approval.