Oregon Passes Domestic Partnership Law

SALEM, OR -- The Family Fairness Act, which will give Oregon's gay and lesbian couples the benefits of marriage through domestic partnerships, won final legislative approval Wednesday.

The Senate endorsed the measure 21-9, and it will now be sent to Gov. Ted Kulongoski for final approval. The governor is a gay-rights supporter and has said he will sign that bill along.

The Family Fairness Act will grant rights, responsibilities and protections afforded to other Oregon couples and their families currently only available via a marriage contract in Oregon.

The state has a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage and the partnership legislation was carefully worded to avoid legal challenges that it was trying to circumvent the terms of the amendment.

During committee hearings, senators heard from same-sex couples who have been affected by the lack of partnership rights.

Nancy Frantz-Geddes was denied access to her son while he was in the emergency room because they only allowed one mom in the room.

"I never again want to be denied the right to be with my children, especially in a time of need. Our children have two dedicated parents and making them choose is simply unacceptable," she said.

Oregon's domestic partnerships measure covers benefits relating to inheritance rights, child-rearing and custody, joint tax filings, joint health, auto and homeowners insurance policies, visitation rights at hospitals and others.

It's the second victory for gay rights in the state in less than a month. The legislature also recently passed a bill outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation.