Whoo hoo!
They passed a bill in Oregon making it illegal to discriminate against people in employment and housing (unless the group is religious) based on sexual orientation. The governor just has to sign it, and he's already said he would. It doesn't really affect me too much because Wells Fargo already has a very broad diversity program. They even let people add domestic partners to their insurance. But I'm still happy that we're making progress around here. I'm even ok with the religious exemption because religious groups deserve respect too. If only it was reciprocal.
It's expected that they'll also pass a bill allowing state recognized domestic partnerships. It's already passed the House and as far as I know it's in the Senate committee now. I don't plan on rushing out to get one (despite what many people believe, lots of us take that kind of commitment very seriously) but I'm very excited. If/WHEN I get married, those extra benefits will come in handy.
All in all I've been disappointed with the Portland activism scene since I've been here, but this is certainly a great step in the right direction.
It's expected that they'll also pass a bill allowing state recognized domestic partnerships. It's already passed the House and as far as I know it's in the Senate committee now. I don't plan on rushing out to get one (despite what many people believe, lots of us take that kind of commitment very seriously) but I'm very excited. If/WHEN I get married, those extra benefits will come in handy.
All in all I've been disappointed with the Portland activism scene since I've been here, but this is certainly a great step in the right direction.