There are many people who experience

discrimination in healthcare here in Oregon,

but members of our transgender communities face healthcare discrimination

at a systemic and unparalleled level.

As the mayor mentioned, the American Medical Association

has identified transgender health care as being medically necessary.

Yet many transgender Oregonians are routinely denied the ability

to even purchase health insurance,

or are denied the coverage for basic medically necessary care

solely on the basis of their gender identity.

And without that health insurance...[cuts off]

When someone is born with a malformed heart valve

there's no question we cover the treatment

necessary to care for that person.

Similarly, there should be no question that when someone is born transgender

we provide the care they need.

There are clear Standards of Care for treatment of a legitimate diagnosis.

Gender Identity Disorder or Gender Dysphoria are recognized medical terms & diagnoses.

I have read one of these exclusionary insurance statements,

and it is just appalling.

Uh, the idea that, uh, it would be, and it is, it's the equivalent of saying

"we will not give insurance to short people."

You know, it is how you are born.

This is not about cost and benefit.

This is about the sanctity of human life,

and respect for human dignity.

So we cannot sidestep that as we talk about policy.

Otherwise, [we entrenching ?] a very fundamental core of our value

a value of extending liberty and freedom to all of us.

What we're talking about is a treatment that is medically necessary,

as determined by the American Medical Association.

So I'd like to tell you what I believe this issue is really about.

It's about the American value of equality,

and so I say let's live the values of our Constitution:

equal treatment under the law.

And I thank the mayor and the council for your support of this issue.

The American Medical Association

to me, for me, has resolved the question

by deeming this a medically necessary procedure.

Uh, based on the briefings I've received,

I've also concluded that surgery is not optional,

it is actually an appropriate treatment.

This is a small price to pay

for fundamental,uh, helping people to lead happy lives.

We heard several testimony about suicidal considerations.

And I think it's time to end that

and to provide the means necessary for people to become the gender they truly believe they are.

When people present me with facts and figures

it doesn't override what my heart tells me is the right thing to do.

And I could not in good conscience

allow this city's police officer's to go without health coverage,

and I don't feel any different about this issue today.

What was mentioned in testimony

is that the suicide rate for transgender people is 33%.

It seems to me that $32,000 is pretty, um, cost efficient in saving a life.

And more than that, it's the right thing to do.

Well I want to thank, uh, Clay Neale [sp?], uh, Jennifer Yoakum [sp?], and Warren Jimenez [sp?]

Amy Ries [sp?] and Karen Burkes [sp?] on my staff who have all worked on uh this issue

over the past 2 1/2 years.

Again, to our community partner Basic Rights Oregon,

to the trans community of Portland

who uh each and every day make this city a better place,

and it's really my honour and privilege to serve on a City Council

where we can bring an ounce of fairness, uh, in return.

Um, when I put down this gavel, you can clap and cheer.

[crowd laughing]

AYE.

It's approved.

[crowd cheers and claps]