Post submitted by Christopher Cooke, HRC Regional Field Organizer

HRC members, supporters and volunteers joined Basic Rights Oregon for LGBTQ Lobby Day at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem. HRC Regional Field Organizer Christopher Cooke was on hand as members of both groups attended a lobby day training hosted by Basic Rights Oregon. After empowering citizen lobbyist with new skills, members and supporters lobbied their lawmakers in Support of HB 3060 and HB 2673, two bills that would improve the lives of LGBTQ Oregonians statewide.

HB 3060 requires all businesses that enter into state contracts that exceed $150,000 to have LGBTQ-inclusive workplace nondiscrimination and sexual harassment prevention policies, sending a clear message that Oregon stands for equality and fair treatment.

HB 2673 would update existing Oregon law to ensure that transgender Oregonians have access to a safer, more affordable and streamlined process for obtaining corrected birth certificates that reflect their gender identity.  Transgender people who are unable to obtain identity documents that accurately reflect their gender identity  face increased risks of discrimination and violence. Passage of HB 2673 is crucial to making Oregon a more inviting and inclusive place to call home.

Special thanks to the HRC Portland Steering Committee for making LGBTQ Lobby Day a success and for advocating for an Oregon that everybody can be proud of and call home.