Measure 89 Equality of rights on account of sex
Amends Constitution: State/political subdivision shall not deny or abridge equality of rights on account of sex
Result of “Yes” Vote: “Yes” vote amends state constitution, prohibits state and any political subdivision from denying or abridging equality of rights under the law on account of sex.
Result of “No” Vote: “No” vote retains current prohibition on laws granting/denying privileges or immunities on account of sex, unless justified by specific biological differences between men/women.
___Yes
___No
Under Article I, section 20, of the Oregon Constitution, laws granting privileges or immunities must apply equally to all persons. The Oregon Supreme Court has held that that provision prohibits laws treating people differently based on sex unless justified by specific biological differences. No current provision in constitution expressly states that prohibition. Measure amends Article I by creating new section 46, which provides that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the state or any political subdivision on account of sex. Measure authorizes legislature to enforce that provision by appropriate legislation. Measure provides that nothing in section 46 “shall diminish a right otherwise available to persons under section 20 of this Article or any other provision of this Constitution.”