Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity will finally be punishable with civil action in Oregon. Senate Bill 2, The Oregon Equality Act, passed the Senate with a 21-7 vote Friday.
“After 34 long years since this was first introduced, Oregon lawmakers have overwhelmingly said no to discrimination,” said Bryan Boyd, communications director for Basic Rights Oregon. “We should all be proud that Oregon is one step closer to being fair and equal for all of its citizens, no matter if they are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.”
A brief history of Senate Bill 2:
? 1973 – The first anti-discrimination bill to consider sexual orientation in Oregon is introduced. It does not pass.
? April 20, 2007 – Senate Bill 2 passes through the Oregon Senate with a 19-7 vote.
? Next stop – Gov. Kulongoski’s desk for a signature he has already promised to deliver.
Senate Bill 2 will add sexual orientation and gender identity to a list of other anti-discrimination qualities such as race, religion and ethnicity.
After passing a House floor vote 35-25 last Tuesday, SB 2 headed back to the Senate for a concurrence vote to clarify the religious exemption.
A group of Oregon businesses and business organizations headed by Nike’s State and Public Affairs Director Julia Brim-Edwards submitted a letter in support of Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007, The Oregon Family Fairness Act. The letter was also signed by the Oregon State President of Qwest and the President of Oregon Business Association among others.
“In the workplace, diversity and inclusion of all Oregonians makes us stronger, healthier businesses,” according to the letter. “For this reason, we are taking a position in support of Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007 which, taken together, provide protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation.”
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