We did it! HB 2007 passes

After what feels like a few years of defeat 2007 feels real good… Just 2 weeks ago we passed SB2, a non-discrimination bill, and now the Oregon Senate has passed HB 2007, which will grant Oregonians most of the same rights as married couples. I’m still waiting for the day when we’re either allowed to call it marriage or “marriages” aren’t what we call any of our legally binding familial contracts, but today is still a day to celebrate…and to start ring shopping.

I’m also waiting for something else important, however. For some reason, it seems America (ok, maybe just Oregon and nine other states) is more progressive than the sum of its parts. For all our victory here in Oregon, federal law still has no such protections or assurances. That makes things like taxes, familial ties and other rights not only vastly different from state to state but still a largely gray area in this country. Deductions that Oregon will give you will be strictly verboten from the feds. You can feel secure that if a partner is injured you’ll be able to visit them at home, but not necessarily on vacation. It sets up a series of contradictions in this country that are confusing, frightening and unfair. The battle is still uphill.

But I also want to take this opportunity to thank our Oregon government (yes, even Tina Kotek), who are much braver and true to their beliefs than National politicians. May we push them forward into a National arena so they can do good for the whole country. Yeah, I’m talkin’ to you Hilary Clinton you big pansy.

Click the “Local News” category for more background on both SB2 and HB 2007 and the controversy surrounding them.