URGENT: Call your State Legislative Senator

This is regarding Senate Bill 2, which would grant minority status to Homosexuals, Bi-Sexuals, and Trans-sexuals. The bill is scheduled to be on the Oregon State Senate floor sometime this week, so quick action is needed if we want to stop it.

There are a few reasons I and many others oppose this bill. It does not contain sufficient exemption or protection for churches and religious institutions. While it does have an exemption clause, it is not broad enough to completely protect churches. The current clause forces the courts to define the 'Primary Purpose' of a church, and they also have to decide whether any specific position is 'closely connected' with the primary purpose. This could lead to litigation against churches, which, even if unsuccessful, would still be harmful to the church.

The bill also neglects the precedent for a minority class. All minority classes are based on unchangeable characteristics such as Race, Age, Disability, etc. This bill would grant minority status to a group of people based on their lifestyle choices. Not only is it a misapplication of protected minority status, but it could set a new standard in discrimination laws, opening up a whole new set of legislation.

There is one last reason that I'm going to write here. This legislation is a small step towards the eventual full recongition of homosexual couples. Even the homosexual activists admit this, although they are pleased, because it looks like the bill will pass.

PLEASE, CALL YOUR STATE LEGISLATIVE SENATOR!!

Urgent action is required if we want to stop this bill. Call your State Senator, and ask him to oppose SB 2 and SB 500. We can do something to oppose this, but if we don't, it will most certainly pass. Make your voice heard.

Representative government fails when the people are apathetic.

Here is a website where you can find your local senator's phone.

www.defenseofmarriagecoalition.org is the Oregon Family Council website. Click on Citizen Lobby Center' under Action, and then click 'Call your Legislator'. It has tips on what you may want to say, as well as his number. You may also want to write an e-mail or a letter, but because the date is so close, a call is the surest way to be heard.

Full Text of the Bill
http://www.leg.state.or.us/07reg/measures/sb0001.dir/sb0002.intro.html