Building protections for family and relationship structures in Portland
You can take action that to ensure Family and Relationship structure is turned into law!
We’re working to pass new civil rights protections in Portland which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of “family or relationship structure.” The Portland City Council will be considering this item within the next few months – but they need to hear from you!
What?
Many Portland residents have family or relationship structures outside the norm, whether they’re polyamorous, a single parent by choice, in a blended family with step-parents and step-children, and so on. Unfortunately, even in Portland, people still face stigma and discrimination when it comes to housing, business establishments, and more.
This bill recognizes that diverse family and relationship structures enrich Portland, and ensures that all of the city’s residents are treated fairly and with respect. It mirrors legislation adopted by Cambridge and Somerville MA in 2023 and Oakland and Berkeley CA in 2024.
Why?
How?
Contact your councilmember by writing them a letter, sending them an email, or calling their office.
Find your councilors on this interactive map!
Call their office
Copy/paste councilors’ email
Copy/paste our draft letter of support.
Replace bold font with your information and story.
Send your support!
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, add this to the bottom of the letter!
Contact your Councilmember!
Keith Willson - Mayor
mayor@portlandoregon.gov
District 1.
Candace Avalos
councilor.avalos@portlandoregon.gov
Loretta Smith
councilor.smith@portlandoregon.gov
Jamie Dunphy
councilor.dunphy@portlandoregon.gov
District 2.
Elana Pirtle-Kinney - President
councilor.pirtle-guiney@portlandoregon.gov
Dan Ryan
councilor.ryan@portlandoregon.gov
Sameer Kanal
councilor.kanal@portlandoregon.gov
District 3.
Angelita Morillo
councilor.morillo@portlandoregon.gov
Tiffany Koyama Lane - Vice President
councilor.koyamalane@portlandoregon.gov
Steve Novick
councilor.novick@portlandoregon.gov
District 4.
Eric Zimmerman
councilor.zimmerman@portlandoregon.gov
Mitch Green - Sponsor
councilor.green@portlandoregon.gov
Olivia Clark
councilor.clark@portlandoregon.gov
Call Script
Hello, my name is ___. I am live in [Your district]. I am calling in strong support of the Family or Relationship Structure ordinance you are considering.
It is currently legal to discriminate against people in Non-monogamous relationships in all 50 states. It’s time to change that. This is a simple, no cost to the city ordinance that will help thousands of Portlanders feel safe to live their most authentic life, free of systemic persecution in housing, employment, and public services.
Portland has long been a progressive city that uplifts our most vulnerable. Please support the Family or Relationship Structure ordinance and keep Portland safe.
Letter of Support: Family and Relationship Structure Discrimination Protections
[Date]
[Councilor Name]
Portland City Council
1221 SW 4th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
Dear Councilor _______________,
I am writing as your constituent to express my strong support for the proposed ordinance to add "family or relationship structure" as a protected category in Portland's existing non-discrimination laws. This vital legislation would ensure that all Portland residents have equal access to housing, employment, and public accommodations, regardless of how they structure their families or consensual relationships.
Portland has always been a leader in protecting diverse communities, and this ordinance continues that tradition. The reality is that only 18% of U.S. households resemble the traditional nuclear family model. Our city is home to many residents living in blended families, multi-generational households, single-parent families, and consensually non-monogamous relationships. Currently, these families lack explicit legal protections and face real discrimination in crucial areas of life.
The evidence is clear that discrimination exists. Recent surveys show that individuals in non-traditional family structures report experiencing stigma and discrimination in housing (5%), employment (9%), healthcare (23%), and other essential services. Without legal protections, many residents are forced to hide their family structures to avoid discrimination, taking a significant toll on mental health and preventing them from accessing appropriate services.
The proposed ordinance would:
Add "family or relationship structure" protections to existing city code
Require no additional city staff or budget resources
Be enforced through existing legal mechanisms
Provide significant positive impact on family stability and well-being
Similar protections have been successfully implemented in Berkeley, Oakland, Cambridge, and Somerville with straightforward implementation and positive community response. California has also recently passed state-level legislation recognizing diverse family structures, demonstrating growing momentum for these protections.
[Personal story/reason for support - please add 2-3 sentences about why this issue is important to you personally]:
This ordinance aligns with Portland's values of inclusion and equality. It costs nothing to implement but provides immeasurable value in protecting vulnerable community members from discrimination. I urge you to support this legislation and help ensure that all Portland families are treated with dignity and respect under the law.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your support for this important civil rights measure.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
Thanks for taking the time to have your voice heard! We will have updates on the main Portland page as we go through the legislative process.