What Does it Mean?
Domestic Partnerships will allow same-sex couples and their families all of the protections, rights and responsibilities of marriage with in the state. Those protections will not be recognized outside of the state.Oregon Representative Chip Shields said, "This moment for me is bitter sweet. While this bill is a huge step in the right direction and will truly benefit the lives of thousands of gay Oregonians. Let’s be clear. This is not equality. Not even close. Couples who obtain a domestic partnership will still be denied the more than 1200 protections, benefits and responsibilities afforded to married couples under federal law. Couples who obtain a domestic partnership will have no legal relationship to one another outside the borders of this state as married couples do. …Frankly, it pains me to vote for this bill but I’m willing because it’s a big step forward on the road to equality. To me it is sad that we are setting up a system of inequality in the name of furthering equality."
What's Next?
The Oregon Senate voted 21-9 to pass the Domestic Partnership Bill. It will be sent to Oregon Governor Kulongoski who has pledged to sign it. Oregon residents will be able to register for domestic Partnerships on January 1, 2008.Oregon Gay Rights groups continue to push for full marriage equality with a case making its way through the courts.
