Same-sex rights bills progress in Oregon legislature

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Although marriage is be defined as the relationship between one man and one woman in Oregon's state constitution, same-sex couples are one step closer to being granted many of the same benefits and protections as legally recognized married couples.

The Oregon Family Fairness Act (HB 2007) and the Oregon Equality Act (SB 2) are advancing the rights and responsibilities of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, or LGBTQ, community. Both bills passed the Rules Committee floor on Tuesday. HB 2007 passed by a bipartisan vote of 5-2 and SB 2 passed with a vote of 5-1.

"SB 2 will provide members of the LGBTQ community to feel comfortable when they are applying for housing or out at a restaurant or any other place where overt discrimination is taking place," said Student Senator Oscar Guerra.