Citizens debate discrimination code changes

Civil rights and anti-homosexual activists faced off before the Eugene Human Rights Commission on Tuesday night, debating proposed changes to the city code. Commissioners heard testimony and announced they would finalize their recommendation on Aug. 29.

The proposal, if passed by the City Council, will create a domestic partner registry for homosexual and unmarried heterosexual residents, give "reasonable accommodation" to transgender persons for dress codes and restroom access, and allow people to file private lawsuits if they feel they've been discriminated. The proposal will also add "ethnicity" to city anti-discrimination rules.

Fifteen speakers voiced favorable opinions to the changes, speaking in support of civil rights and against labeling homosexuals. Four opponents to the changes voiced concern that the proposal would deteriorate the meaning of family and clash with religious doctrine.

For one supporter in particular, however, the debate was a typical struggle.

"Every civil rights movement comes back to the bathroom," Basic Rights Oregon director Roey Thorpe said.

Thorpe added that the fear of homosexuality is unfounded. "(Homosexuals) are not predators," she said.

Nick Urhausen heavily criticized the restroom proposal, calling it a "free bathroom pass for pedophiles" and warning that the HRC would be a "group of fascists" if they recommended the proposal.

"There's no constitutional right to what you're asking for. It should come about by some political process," he said.

Most speakers, however, had kind words for the proposal and the HRC for working toward changes that have already been accepted in other states.

Doug Smyth, a gay man who attended the meeting with his partner, set the scene early for a debate on morality.

"This is a question of morality," he said. "The Constitution I read suggests that we are all created equal, and I would suggest to you that that is the fundamental, underlying moral principal behind (the proposals)."

Sue Monaham, who pointed out that she was a heterosexual, expressed surprise that such a debate is even necessary.

"Who are we to accept or not accept another human being?" she said. "We are all being given the opportunity to act with an informed mind and a passionate heart."

Speakers who opposed the proposals often mentioned God and their fear that homosexuality would pose a danger for children.

George and Rennina Brittain, a married couple, argued their views in terms of religion and family.

"God would not be in favor of this, and that's all I will say about that," George Brittain said. "The little kids, they can't take care of themselves -- they are the victims."

Rennina Brittain used a harsher tone and left the podium visibly emotional.

"I stand before you absolutely mortified that my community would bring this to us and say 'Help us vote on this,'" she said. "If something were to happen to my child, who is responsible?"

Referring to the domestic partnership registry, HRC Chairwoman Andrea Ortiz said unmarried people just want to be recognized.

"For people of the same sex, I think it gives them an opportunity to make the affirmation to the community that this is the person I'd like to be with," she said.

Contact the reporter at janmontry@dailyemerald.com.

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