Gay Partnership Bill OK'd by Oregon House

SALEM, OREGON -- The Oregon House Tuesday passed a domestic partnership bill that aims to offer same-sex couples a broad range of rights currently reserved for married couples. Another bill that would include gays in Oregon's anti-discrimination laws also passed.

If approved by the state Senate and signed by the governor, The Family Fairness Act would put both same-sex couples and other couples unable to marry on the same legal footing as married couples when it comes to estate planning and medical decision-making.

Supporters of the bill chose not to use the term "civil unions" because they feared this would be seen by conservative voters as being to close to gay marriage. Gay marriage is banned by a constitutional amendment in the state.

"The world will be different," said Rep. Tina Kotek (D-Portland). "This is about bringing people in, not shutting them out."

Rep. Chip Shields (D-Portland) noted the difference between domestic partnership and marriage.

"I believe years from now we'll remember the historic significance of this moment, but we'll also see plainly the short sightedness of these efforts...it is a big step forward on the road to equality," he told the House.

The bill passed on a 34 - 26 vote with three Republicans voting with the majority.

If approved by the Senate, the bill goes to Governor Ted Kulongoski, who has said he will sign the bill.