Oregon Same Sex Domestic Partnership Law Latest Victim of Vote Tampering Allegations

The efforts to introduce gay marriage, and if not that then civil unions, into the state of Oregon has been an ongoing battle with no end in sight. What appeared to be a workable compromise palatable to all was the domestic partnership law aptly named the Oregon Family Fairness Act which was signed by Governor Kulongiski on May 9.

The goal of the Act was simple: to establish a system of domestic partnership that would permit gay and lesbian couples as well as their children to enjoy the same kinds of legal rights, privileges, protections and benefits that are currently only available to married couples and their children. A noted exception are any federal rights and privileges since the Act only specifically governs states rights.

Purposefully including verbiage that differentiates a domestic partnership from a marriage, the Act would provide the kinds of benefits the majority of Americans take for granted with respect to child custody and child rearing, insurance policies, rights to inquire about medical information, joint state tax filings, and also various and sundry incidental rights open to Oregon's married couples.

The Act was schedule to become law on Jan. 1 and yet at the very last moment a delay has stopped this from becoming reality. Attempts have been made previously to derail the Act, and 365 Gay reported as early as May 15 that signature gatherers were attempting to find enough support - at least 55,179 registered voters - to put the Act before the voters, which - if the Act prevailed even then - would add another year wait prior to implementation. It is interesting to note that the Constitution Party is the driving force behind this earliest effort.