News
2005-07-23
Oregon
Republicans gut civil unions bill
Supporters of
civil unions in Oregon say the issue isn't dead even after
Republicans in the statehouse drastically altered a bill to
Supporters of
civil unions in Oregon say the issue isn't dead even after
Republicans in the statehouse drastically altered a bill to
allow same-sex couples the benefits of marriage. On
Thursday house Republicans used what's called a "gut
and stuff" maneuver on Senate Bill 1000. The move
eliminated language regarding civil unions and replaced it
with a reciprocal benefits package, which would allow any
two adults to receive just a handful of the rights of
marriage.
Rebecca Kassel of
Basic Rights Oregon called the action a mean-spirited
insult to supporters of civil unions. "They have hijacked SB
1000, and we want it back," she said. "We want the
bill that we fought for; we want the bill that's
supported by a majority of Oregonians; we want the
bill that the governor endorses and the senate passed."
Oregon governor
Ted Kulongoski said the decision by the house to amend
Senate Bill 1000 was a great disappointment but that the
fight to pass the bill isn't over yet. "Now, am I
angry that it's not going to get a fair shot? You
better believe I am," he said. "Because one, I believe
the votes are there even in the Republican caucus.
Ultimately, we will be there. This will be the law
eventually. It's just unfortunate that we can't do it
in a time frame that's fair and right today."
Kulongoski said
he expects the version of Senate Bill 1000 that was
amended in committee will come to a vote on the house floor
and eventually go to a conference committee with the
senate. (Sirius/OutQ)
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