Proposed Oregon Bill Seeks To Legalize Civil Unions

By Christina Rentz

Published on August 02, 2005

Eight months ago, Oregon passed Measure 36, which amended the Oregon constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. A spokesperson for the Oregon Family Council, an organization that lobbied for Measure 36, says the amendment exclusively defined marriage and purposely left the door open for the legalization of civil unions.

However, the same Oregon Family Council spokesperson says this proposed bill is too extreme and essentially legalizes gay marriage. Supporters of the bill deny this charge. Under the bill, couples committed in a civil union would not be able to file for married tax status. Furthermore, the civil union would not be recognized outside the state.

Oregon gay and lesbian couples are currently unable to enjoy any of the legal benefits granted to married couples. These rights include visiting their partner in the hospital, inheriting their partner's legal property, and suing for the wrongful death of their partner.

The proposed bill, which passed the Democratic-controlled Senate by a nine vote margin, will battle the odds in the Republican-controlled House. A spokesperson for the House Speaker Karen Minnis announced there are no plans to put the bill to a floor vote.

A spokesperson for Gay Rights Oregon says, if the bill does make it onto the agenda, there is enough support in the house to pass the bill.

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