In an unconventional move, Republican senators in the Oregon legislature have decided not to show up for work, effectively obstructing the passage of two progressive bills sponsored by Democrats. These bills address gender-affirming healthcare, abortion rights, and gun safety.
Using Obscure Law to Justify Absence
The state senate Republicans’ walkout has denied the Democratic leadership a quorum, preventing them from voting on the two significant bills. The GOP senators are basing their boycott on a rarely-used 1979 law that mandates all legislative summaries to be written in plain English, with a score of 60 or higher on the Flesch readability test.
Republican Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp stated that a staff member discovered the obscure law last month. Now, according to Democratic Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, the GOP is “weaponizing” the law to justify their absence from senate business.
Impact on LGBTQ Healthcare and Gun Safety
The bill on gender-affirming care and abortion aims to protect patients and medical providers from lawsuits originating in states like Texas, where such care has been criminalized. The legislation seeks to expand insurance coverage for gender-affirming healthcare by preventing insurers from categorizing medically necessary gender dysphoria treatment as cosmetic procedures. It also mandates publicly funded universities and community colleges to provide emergency contraception and medical abortion.
The gun control measure proposes raising the age limit to 21 for purchasing AR-15-style rifles and similar weapons, implementing new penalties for possessing undetectable firearms, and limiting concealed-carry rights for licensed gun owners.
Potential Consequences for Republican Senators
Three days into their walkout, the Republican senators could face consequences not only for the Democrats’ progressive legislation but also for their own political careers. A new ballot measure approved by voters in November bars Oregon lawmakers from running for reelection if they have ten or more unexcused absences. The current Oregon legislative session runs through late June.