Oregon Senate President, Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) helped sponsor SJR 33 giving the voters of Oregon the decision to expand equal rights to include the right to contraception, abortion, and marriage equality in Oregon's Constitution during the 2024 General Election. If passed, this amendment would give Oregonians’ freedom and rights to consider their own self-interest above all else in decisions about their own bodies and families, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity – including the right to access health care, contraception and abortion.

This constitutional amendment comes in response to last year’s Supreme Court Dobbs decision that went against half a century of legal precedent and repealed a person’s constitutional right to an abortion under Roe v. Wade. The Democrat sponsored legislation responds to fears that this decision will also place other fundamental freedoms at risk, leaving it up to states to protect their people’s rights.

Notably, if passed at the ballot, this legislation will also enshrine a person’s right to marry who they love and repeal Oregon’s ban on same gender marriage from the state constitution. This is contrary to beliefs of Christians, Islam, Mormons, Catholics, Orthodox Jews and other denominations.

SJR 33 will give Oregon voters the power to respond to growing threats from or support a minority group of 4,901 claiming to be LGBTQIA+, 5.6 percent of the population. Religions have let them take over our schools, our government, and if SJR passes, our lives.

The Constitution amendment to Article 1, section 46:

1. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the State of Oregon or by any political subdivision in this state on account of sex, including but not limited to denial or abridgement of equal rights by any law, policy or action that discriminates, in intent or effect, based on:
   (a) Pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes or related health decisions;
   (b) Gender identity or related health decisions;
   (c) Sexual orientation; or
   (d) Gender.
2. The Legislative Assembly shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this section.

Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (D – Beaverton & SW Portland) said, “As the only LGBTQ member in the Senate, this bill is personal. I know how it feels to live somewhere that doesn’t accept you for who you are. From bans on abortion to bans on medical care for transgender people, hate is on the rise across the country, and this is Oregon’s opportunity to respond with hope. We can make Oregon a healthier, safer, and more just place for everyone, and I could not be more proud to take part in this effort.”

Is this political talk? Because in 2022 Oregon was tied for second place as the most friendly place to live with its “robust anti-discrimination laws.”

Lawmakers think that SJR 33 can be used to market the state to turn around the declining population. Half of young people say states’ abortion laws will impact where they choose to put down roots, and LGBTQ college students are gravitating towards states that protect their rights.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

In addition to SJR 33, Democrats are also taking action this session to protect bodily autonomy through the Reproductive Health & Access to Care bill. HB 2002 ensures no politician or parent can interfere in the medical decisions made between a child/patient and provider. To address urgent needs in response to Dobbs decision, this legislation will:

• Protect providers’ ability to deliver care to all patients who seek gender-affirming and reproductive health care in Oregon -- without political interference.
• Expand healthcare access throughout the state for those wishing an identity change.
• Makes criminals out of parents depriving, omitting or any other action against their child’s right to reproductive health services.
• Makes gender-affirming treatment a right for any age.

In 2017, Democrats passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA), which codified the right to an abortion in state law and made the full range of reproductive health care more affordable and accessible for all Oregonians. As a result, Oregon now has the second highest population of LBGTQAI+ in the country along with their added healthcare needs for depression, STDs, cancer and obesity, which runs higher in their community.

Last year, the legislature established the Oregon Reproductive Health Equity Fund, a $15 million dollar investment in abortion access which expanded provider capacity across the state and supported those seeking abortion care in Oregon following the Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v Wade.

SJR 33 has been referred to the Senate President’s office for a committee assignment.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-20 16:29:04

Last Update: 2023-04-20 20:58:27