“No law shall be passed
granting to any citizen or class of citizens privileges, or
immunities,
which upon the same terms, shall not equally belong to all
citizens.”
-Article
I, section 20 of the Oregon Constitution
This past Legislative Session I was
honored to play a small role in the continuing struggle to validate
the dignity of all human beings, a chance to recognize the
legitimacy of all human relationships. I was a chief sponsor of SB
1000, a bill that would have extended non-discrimination laws to
include sexual orientation and that would grant civil unions for
those couples excluded from our current marriage laws.
I sponsored SB 1000
because gays and lesbians are human beings and vital members of our
communities. As such, they deserve the freedom to form families, as
well as the most basic rights--the freedom to eat, live and work
free from discrimination. They deserve the right to have
their family recognized by law and the responsibilities we expect
from all Oregon families.
We were not successful this session. And although we did pass the
bill out of the Senate, sadly it died in the House. Our legacy must
be one of fairness, acceptance, protection and equally extended to
every Oregonian. We are not debating if equality will be a
reality, but when.
As Governor of The State of Oregon, I will continue to fight to
ensure that gay and lesbians, as well as their families, are
protected under state law. For over thirty years Oregon has made
attempts via the Legislature. We've come close, but not close
enough. It is time to put an end to discrimination against our
fellow Oregonians. Together, we can make Oregon a state of equality.
"He's
not in anybody's pocket. I really admire him for having the
courage to stand up for what he believes." Gert Boyle,
Chair, Columbia Sportswear
"Today,
Oregon needs strong leadership. As the parent of a student that
attends public schools, I believe Ben will be a champion for the
students and their future." Elizabeth Blackney,
Bend
"He
is determined to make this place we call Oregon a better place,
for all Oregonians." Ernest Bloch,
Portland
(838 kb)