After emotional debate, anti-discrimination bill moves to full SenateOregon gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people would get the same legal protection from discrimination that is granted to racial and other minorities, under a bill passed Monday by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
After hearing more than five hours of emotional testimony from gay-rights supporters, conservative Christians and others, the committee voted 3 to 1 to send Senate Bill 2 to the Senate floor.
The bill would bar discrimination based on sexual orientation, along the same lines as protections based on color, national origin, gender, religion and other factors. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people could not be fired from jobs, evicted from apartments or denied access to public places because of their sexual orientation. Churches and other religious institutions are exempted from adhering to the bill.
"This bill does nothing more than add a new category of people who can expect equal rights in Oregon," said Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, the committee chairwoman.
