OREGON CREATES DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS FOR GAY MEN AND LESBIANS.

On Jan 1, 2008, Oregon will join the growing list of states offering same-sex couples some of the benefits of marriage. Gov Ted Kulongonski who strongly backed the new legislation said the new law would “transform our state from one of exclusion to one of complete inclusion”. He also signed a bill that outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation effective on the same date.

PINK CHOICE applauds Gov Kulongonski and the legislature for overcoming the blocks that have prevented the progress of this legislation from becoming law in recent years. Oregon is the latest state to join Vermont, Connecticut, California, New Jersey, Maine and Washington that have laws allowing either civil unions or domestic partnerships. Hawaii recently approved a civil union measure that Gov John Lynch has said he will sign. Massachusetts alone remains the only state that allows same-sex couples to marry.