City debates anti-discrimination code Eugeneans share their opinions on a proposal Nicholas Wilbur Oregon Emerald News Reporter June 23, 2005 http://www.dailyemerald.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/06/23/42ba8940c8f6d A public hearing was held Tuesday for community members to share their opinions regarding a proposal to add transgender identity to Eugenes anti-discrimination code. The current city law protects against discrimination for the actual or perceived identity of a heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual individual. The revision would add to the law transgender identity, which the City of Eugene Human Rights Commission defines in their Transgender Issues Packet as anyone who exhibits characteristics of a gender that does not match their apparent or actual physical sex. Currently five Oregon cities %G—%@ Portland, Salem, Beaverton, Bend and Lake Oswego %G—%@ have included gender identity in their anti-discrimination code. Nationally, five states and 61 cities have adopted similar protections. About 45 people attended the meeting at the Council Chamber in City Hall. Ten people gave personal testimonies to either support or oppose the proposed code change. Mayor Kitty Piercy attended the hearing and said after the event, the city should provide the same protections for all our citizens. Boyd Iverson of Eugene, who opposed the city code revision, said, I do strongly believe in human rights, and human rights are all inclusive; but rules should not be passed that infringe on the rights of others. He argued that to allow a small minority of people to act inconsistently with the average habits would violate others, particularly women and children. Mayor Jim Torreys concerns for privacy in public facilities and the potential costs of transgender accommodations in bathrooms, showers and locker rooms remained prevalent for many of the speakers at Tuesdays hearing. Bert Vaughn, a Lane Community College student and member of the Queer-Strait Alliance, attended the hearing to support the queer community. I think it will pass, but I dont support the (public accommodations practices) amendment, Vaughn said. In fact, four of the 10 speakers at the hearing agreed with previously voiced concerns regarding the public accommodations practices amendment, which would allow transgender people to choose which restroom, shower or locker room to use. Besides the restroom and locker room issues, the commissions packet lists several other problems the transgender community faces, including employment, dress codes, prisons, passports, name changes and pronouns, bias crimes and violence. Of the approximately 100 transgender people who live in Eugene, 60 percent reported being targeted for harassment or violence, while less than one-tenth of 1 percent have contributed to violent crimes, according to the packet. The commission stated that this was a one-time public hearing. Carmen Urbina, vice chair of the commission, said each testimony will be taken into account and final decisions on code revisions and recommendations will take place in July. A city council work session, public hearing and a final decision will likely take place in the fall, Urbina said. More information is available at Eugene Human Rights Commission Web site, www.ci.eugene.or.us. 2005 Oregon Daily Emerald