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August 20, 2008

Oregon Court Rejects Suit Against Domestic Partnerships

Oregon residents will not vote on domestic partner rights for gay and lesbian couples in this fall's election, Portland's The Oregonian reported Friday. The ninth U.S. circuit court of appeals rejected a lawsuit challenging the state's domestic-partnership laws, which were enacted in February. Opponents attempted to place a referendum on domestic partnerships on the ballot in 2007, but they were unable to collect enough signatures. Out-of-state groups behind the effort filed suit in federal court, claiming Oregon election officials should have changed the rules to reconsider previously rejected signatures, according to Basic Rights Oregon.

"The judges clearly understood the issues at stake in this case when they rejected the plaintiffs’ demand for special treatment," Basic Rights Oregon attorney Margaret Olney told The Oregonian. "The out-of-state groups behind this lawsuit failed to meet the minimum standards of public support for their unpopular agenda last year. The court is saying unequivocally: You can’t change the rules just because you don’t like the outcome."

Marilyn Shannon, a former Republican lawmaker who is heading the fight against domestic partnerships, told The Oregonian that the court's decision will only make the opposition stronger.

"The courts are not friendly to traditional values," she said.

More than 2,200 same-sex couples have registered their domestic partnerships since the law took effect. Registered couples have rights such as hospital visitation, making medical decisions for their partners, and making property and inheritance resolutions. (The Advocate)

Reader Comments

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  • Name: Bob in T.O.
    Date posted: 2008-08-18 2:29 PM
    Hometown: Toronto, ON

    Comment:

    One simple answer: Canada. After I immigrated to Canada, it felt like a huge burden was lifted off of my back. As soon as my partner and I crossed the border we were considered "common-law partners" without having even gone through a marriage ceremony. Now we are planning our wedding in peace without having to worry if it our marriage will be worthless a few months after our wedding. Besides Phelps and his Westboro cult are banned from Canada so that is reason enough to move.


  • Name: Kelly R
    Date posted: 2008-08-16 2:53 AM
    Hometown: Hillsboro,OR

    Comment:

    While I am thrilled that my domestic partnership stays valid for now..I can't help but to wonder when and what the next fight will bring. Knowing we still need to "look over our shoulders" because at any given moment,my relationship can be voted on by the general public.. In the last few weeks I've seen national coverage about two heterosexual couples who got married- one under water in an Oregon river and another on the wings of an airplane. While happy for them, I wonder if those wild ceremonies are acceptable to those who quote the bible and talk about sanctity.. My wife and I are raising two young daughters (5 and 1),knowing we have a lifetime of worrying about how others will treat them because they have two mommies. I know in my heart that our family and my marriage (oops partnership) truly doesn't affect anyone other than ourselves. 308 murri


  • Name: Bartholemieux Andrews
    Date posted: 2008-08-15 4:52 PM
    Hometown: Salem, MA

    Comment:

    Much as I hate the whole "separate but equal" conditions brought about by domestic partnerships vs actual marriage, for the life of me I can't understand why anyone would object to a loving couple having each other's power of attorney without the expense of actually having to repair one. I would like to abolish the rights and responsibilities that go with marriage all together and see how heterosexual couples would like to handle the fall out from THAT situation.


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