Oregon Passes Two Gay Rights Bills

On May 9th, Governor Ted Kulongoski signed into law two bills that will give gays and lesbians legal protection and most of the same rights as married couples.

Non-Discrimination Bill

The Oregon Equality Act is a comprehensive, statewide non-discrimination bill that would prohibit discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, on the basis of sexual orientation in Oregon. Gender identity is included in the definition of sexual orientation, so trans people will be protected too. The law goes into effect January 1, 2008.

Domestic Partnerships

The Oregon Family Fairness Act will create a new statute in Oregon law that legally recognizes committed same-sex relationships as Domestic Partnerships. The law grants gay and lesbian couples who enter into a domestic partnership all the privileges, immunities, rights and benefits given to married couples by state law. The law goes into effect January 1, 2008.