Hillsboro, Oregon: Another Reason to Be Proud

I live in Hillsboro, Oregon. There are many things I like and enjoy. The Oregon climate, the proximity to Portland as well as great outdoor recreation, the free thinking spirit. We are striving to be a green community. We welcome diversity. And on Tuesday, August 15th, our City Council voted for rights and equality.

What the Council approved was a city wide ban on discrimination in regard to housing, employment, or public accommodation on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. In other words, HIllsboro says no to sexual bigotry. Hillsboro joined two Oregon counties and eight Oregon cities who had previously passed anti-discrimination laws. Many other municipalities and local governments across the country have done the same thing. Hillsboro joins those who say enough is enough, and all people should be treated the same, regardless.

The far right insists on making sexual rights a so-called “moral issue.” I say that their stand is immoral. To be in favor of any policy that restricts the rights of others can be called nothing else. It is high time that those who would rather hate than include be exposed, and people move forward into a more hopeful and inclusive future.