Local reaction to Civil Unions Bill
Sam Adams
by Sarah Simpson
EUGENE (KMTR) - Thousands celebrated diversity at Eugene's Pride Festival over the weekend.
But at the same time, many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are feeling discriminated against because of recent changes to the Civil Unions bill in the Oregon State Legislature.
The original intent of Senate Bill 1000 was to legalize Civil Unions in Oregon.
The Senate has already passed the bill.
But on Wednesday, Republican House Speaker Karen Minnis blocked a vote in the House. She also helped change the language of the bill so it would no longer legalize Civil Unions, but provide “reciprocal benefits" instead.
That legislative decision is being called a victory by many House Republicans. They say blocking the Civil Unions Bill is the right thing to do, after voters rejected same-sex marriage with Measure 36.
But at Eugene's Pride Festival on Saturday, many members of the gay community say their basic rights for equality are being violated.
Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams explains, “Reciprocal Benefits versus Civil Unions are like night and day. Reciprocal Benefits give you just a few rights. Civil Unions give same-gender couples real rights, real standing. There's no comparison. Civil Unions is what we deserve."
The gay-rights activist group Basic Rights Oregon set up a booth at the festival.
They explained the changes made to Senate Bill 1000. They also collected signatures for a petition against Karen Minnis and her actions on the House floor.
Basic Rights Oregon member Kristin Flickinger is frustrated with Minnis' action. "There was no public hearing. She's allowed no full and fair debate. She's removed any debate or public discussion of this bill, and how I feel about it is, she's destroyed a piece of Democracy by doing that," said Flickinger.
Governor Kulongoski says he is disappointed by the changes to the bill and he'll continue to support legalizing Civil Unions in Oregon.
The Oregon House is now set to vote on the revised version of the bill that would legalize reciprocal benefits for gay couples. Then the governor will decide whether to sign it into law.
Posted by Sam Adams on August 11, 2005
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Comments by site visitors
Simply because voters approve or disapprove of any issue certainly does not mean it's the RIGHT thing to do....it's neither here nor there, really. It's just the particular antequated, and quite flawed, system that we have in place at this point in time. It's weaknesses show forth in measures like 36. And when it comes to justice, fairness, and equal protection afforded by the US Constitution hundreds of years ago, it really doesn't matter that 57% of narrow-minded, hateful Oregonians voted in favor of Measure 36. It simply means that 57% of our state's voters are hateful, don't know their Bible very well even those their yards proudly displayed "Yes on 36" signs, are full of injustice (except when it's convenient and benefits them personally). One day, their time will come. They'll be hated, ignored, or discriminated against because of their weight, color, car they drive, church they belong to, or person they voted for. Shame shame shame on every one of you 57%. In as much as you've done it to the least of these, you've done it to me.
Posted by: Arnie | Aug 14, 2005 9:39:23 PM
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The voters have spoken and will continue to speak. It will never and should never happen.
Posted by: MIke | Aug 14, 2005 6:25:52 AM