
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.
[Comments To This Article]
- [Back to News Headlines]
|