Are you gay-friendly?
Find out if you’re ready to vote in the 2008 elections
By Sally Sheklow 08/16/2007
New laws to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Oregonians from discrimination and recognize domestic partnerships were signed by our governor and set to take effect New Year's Day. But even before the ink dried — and with a ballpoint pen that's pretty quick — the opposition launched a drive to put those laws to a vote. Now Oregon's new civil rights protections will sit on ice until the 2008 general election.
Across the country, our rights are up for grabs. Along with voting in a new president, the nation's electorate will decide on transgender-inclusive anti-discrimination law, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, civil unions, domestic partnerships, marriage equality, adoption and the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Gauging from past anti-gay initiatives, the lead-up to the '08 elections won't be pretty. Prepare for queer-hating rhetoric getting more airtime under the guise of political debate. Stand back when all the old nasty myths and stereotypes are unleashed. It'll be tough, especially for queer kids who you know are going to hear a lot worse than “That's so gay.”
During the political frenzy between now and the '08 elections, we fair-minded folks will need to know who's with us. We'll be checking over our shoulder to see who's got our backs. Can you be counted among the lesbian/gay/bi/trans/queer-friendly?
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