Portland has long been a leader for progressive protections policy, but residents in non-monogamous relationships and non-nuclear family structures still face discrimination.

It's time to close that gap.

Family and Relationship Structure Building protections in Portland

Local activists are working to pass an ordinance that would add "family or relationship structure" as a protected category in the city's existing non-discrimination laws.

This protection would cover diverse families and relationships including:

  • Consensually non-monogamous relationships (polyamory, open relationships, swinger lifestyle etc.)

  • Multi-partner and multi-parent families

  • Multi-generational households

  • Stepfamilies and blended families

  • Chosen families

  • Single-parent households

  • Asexual and aromantic relationships

What We're Working Toward

Where we stand

Mitch Green of district 4 honorably took up our cause in June and helped draft legislation. It is now in the hands of Tiffany Koyama-Lane’s office, who has crafted it into a larger package of LGBTQIA+ policy updates and we eagerly await the introduction and inevitable passage in the next few months.

Great lengths are being taken to ensure the strongest policies possible and we are grateful for all the work being done by city staff, stakeholders, and councilors.

As soon as we get word of introduction, it will be time to show up in full support at city hall! Sign up for updates above and join the movement!

Why this matters

Despite Portland's progressive values, people in non-monogamous relationships and non-nuclear family structures face real discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, and other essential services. Our 2024 community survey of 4,500 people found that 58% experienced stigma or discrimination based on their relationship or family structure.

The lack of legal protection forces many to hide their relationships and family arrangements, creating stress and limiting access to support systems when they're needed most.

Get involved:

Stay updated: Sign up for updates about OPEN’s work and opportunities to stay engaged locally.

Share your story: Personal experiences help illustrate why these protections matter. If you’ve experienced stigma or discrimination on the basis of your non-monogamous identity in Portland, we’d like to hear about it! Write us at info@open-love.org.