For Oregon State Senator Frank Morse (R-Albany District 8), equality is "really how we treat one another." Inherent in that, he says, "is the conviction that we're called to treat all persons irrespective of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation - whatever the differences may be - with dignity, respect, and love."

When asked two years ago to be a co-chief sponsor of Senate Bill 1000, legislation designed to create civil unions for same-sex couples and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Senator Morse knew that it would be a difficult journey, but one he felt compelled to undertake. He recognized that on the one hand he "would be vilified, on the other hand, there would be great appreciation for speaking out to this issue."

Because of his stand in support of gay rights, Senator Morse and his wife have been refused service in a restaurant: "That was an interesting experience. I can only imagine what it would be like to be genuinely discriminated against."

Senator Morse's personal experience of having family members who are gay has been key in his conviction to work towards a just and equitable society. For Senator Morse, love and compassion are fundamentally the essence of what has motivated his involvement in the fight for basic human rights. "The concept of love is not often expressed - certainly in political circles," he says, "but it's one that in the context of one's faith, is a matter of reaching out in a proactive way to help other people,"

The May 2007 passage of House Bill 2 and Senate Bill 2, banning discrimination against gays and lesbians, was a victory, Senator Morse believes: "I think what happened here in this session is a step ahead for Oregon," The bills afford gay and lesbian Oregonians "the opportunity to live full and complete lives," he says. "And I just think that's the right thing to do."