Councilor David Kelly (left), Eugene Mayor Jim Torrey (center) and Councilor Gary Pap
Community members had a chance to voice their opinions to the Eugene City Council about proposed changes to Eugene’s Human Rights Ordinance during Monday’s public hearing at City Hall. Fifty-eight people signed up to speak at the hearing, and both supporters and opponents gave emotional testimony.
The proposed changes include the creation of a domestic partnership registry for gay and unmarried heterosexual couples, as well as measures creating protections for transgender people. The new language contains guidelines allowing transgender individuals to use the restroom facilities of the gender with which they identify.
Three complaints of discrimination regarding gender identity have been received by the City of Eugene since 1998, but city staff and commissioners say most complaints of this nature are not reported.
Former University employee Dick Romm said the city should approve the registry.
“It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “It really can’t affect anyone negatively that doesn’t want to be affected negatively.” He said that all partners — gay or straight — should have the same privilege of “getting it in writing.”
The domestic partnership registry would allow couples who meet certain criteria to register with the city and obtain a certificate recognizing their relationship. To be eligible for registration, both people would have to be at least 18 years old, be unmarried and “live as a family.” Couples must also not be related by blood kinship.
Portland and Ashland already have similar registries.
Eugene resident Bob Pearson said he hopes the city won’t approve the Human Rights Commission’s recommendations.
“The Human Rights Commission wants to force its ideas of morality on the community of Eugene,” he said.
Jennifer Self, a 32-year-old psychotherapist, said both changes should be approved.
“It creates safety for those who have a gender identification outside of male or female,” Self said.
Self said the proposal regarding restroom use was the most important aspect of the hearing and that the registry is purely symbolic.
“It reflects the values of our city of human dignity and respect for all,” Self said. “It’s amazing how this comes down to a restroom, isn’t it? We’re talking about dignity.”
City Council will vote on the proposed amendments 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28.
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