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Oregon
Republicans gut civil unions bill

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 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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