A state of equality.

Byline: The Register-Guard

The words of the Declaration of Independence do not have the force of law, but they express the ideal of equality that the law should always strive to attain. Human equality is self-evident, and the basic rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are unalienable. Extending these rights to others, and protecting them for all, does not weaken the position of any, but further secures the rights of everyone. It's time - past time - for Oregon to ensure that no one's rights are denied because of their sexual orientation.

Two bills pending in the Legislature would bring gays and lesbians closer to the equality that is every American's birthright:

Senate Bill 2, the Oregon Equality Act, would prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodation, public services and education on the basis of sexual orientation. The bill has passed the Senate, and a vote in the House is expected next week. A broad exemption would ensure that churches and other religious organizations could not be compelled to hire, house or provide meeting spaces for gays or lesbians, just as they cannot be forced to employ or accommodate people of other faiths.

House Bill 2007, the Oregon Family Fairness Act, would allow same-sex couples to enter domestic partnership agreements. These agreements would not be marriages - same-sex marriage is prohibited by a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2004. HB 2007 would permit people in same-sex relationships to obtain many, but not all, of the civic privileges and responsibilities that come with marriage, including matters relating to insurance, taxes and survivorship. A House vote on HB 2007 is expected next week; if it is approved, the bill would go to the Senate.

There's nothing groundbreaking in either proposal. This week Washington became the 17th state to provide gays and lesbians with legal protection against discrimination; Oregon would be 18th. Ten cities in Oregon, including Eugene, and two counties have ordinances prohibiting discrimination against gays and lesbians. Four states allow same-sex couples to enter some form of civil union or domestic partnership. Nowhere have these laws and ordinances created social disruptions or hardships for business.

The protections afforded by SB 2, however, are badly needed. Studies in other states have found that between a quarter and a half of gays and lesbians have suffered a form of discrimination that ought to be illegal in Oregon. The centuries-long extension of liberty to all citizens has led to widespread acceptance of the idea that no one should be refused a restaurant meal, fired from a job or evicted from an apartment because of his or her race, religion or gender. As a matter of fundamental fairness, the same should apply to sexual orientation.

HB 2007 would not increase the number of same-sex couples in Oregon. It would make the lives of the thousands of same-sex couples already in the state, many of them with children, less complicated and painful. It's the kind of law that many supporters of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage said they wanted before the 2004 vote: a law that provides access to such rights as hospital visitation and makes enforceable such responsibilities as child support, but without marriage.

The House should approve both bills in bipartisan votes. SB 2 would then go to the governor after minor differences between the House and Senate versions are reconciled. HB 2007 would go to the Senate, where approval is likely, and then to the governor. Gov. Ted Kulongoski's signature on both measures would move all Oregonians closer to the day when the law will reflect the self-evident truth of human equality.