Observers on both sides of the issue agree that with the political dynamic as it is, Oregon could very well become the fourth state in the nation to approve civil union legislation for same-sex couples.
(SALEM) - In a debate that will play out against a complex backdrop of politics and religion, Oregon lawmakers will delve into the emotionally explosive issue of gay rights this session.
With no fanfare, legislation that would confer same-sex couples with some of the rights and protections afforded to married couples was introduced in the Oregon House of Representatives Monday, on the final day for lawmakers to introduce new bills this biennium.
Proponents say Oregon's political landscape has never looked better for bringing Vermont-style civil unions to the state. Critics, meanwhile, worry that with Democrats, now in control of both houses of the state Legislature, might try to sidestep Measure 36, which voters in 2004 overwhelmingly approved to limit marriage constitutionally to a union only between one man and one woman.
Outlined in House Bill 2007, the proposed civil union law is built on the recommendations of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's Task Force on Equality. The Democratic governor has made passage of a civil union bill one of his priorities this session, his spokesman said.
Among other things, the proposed law would require registered same-sex couples to be Oregon residents. Couples would simply enter into a contract recorded with the state to be recognized.
A similar bill passed the state Senate 19-10 in 2005, but former House Speaker Karen Minnis, R-Wood Village, after a protracted debate in the Senate, refused to allow a vote on the measure in the House.
This year, observers on both sides of the issue agree that with the political dynamic as it is, Oregon could very well become the fourth state in the nation to approve civil union legislation for same-sex couples, joining Vermont, Connecticut and New Jersey. Only one state, Massachusetts, allows gays to marry.
Nick Graham, communications director for the Oregon Family Council, said while there is a possibility that the Legislature could ultimately approve a civil unions bill this legislative session, it is too soon to speculate how expansive the bill might become.
Clearly, we are concerned, he conceded. We have a challenge ahead, but it's not one we think is insurmountable.
He added, Every legislator in Salem is going to weigh our concerns against those of everyone else in the discussion.
Also introduced Monday was legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
House Speaker Jeff Merkley of Portland is throwing his political muscle behind both of the gay rights bills, which Monday he said are essential to ending discrimination of gays and lesbians.
I will do everything I can to see that we pass these fundamental human rights," the Portland Democrat said.
Even so, the politically powerful Oregon Family Council will fiercely oppose any legislation that would amend Oregon's marriage laws to give "special protections" to gays and lesbians, Graham warned.
"We just don't believe that sexual orientation should qualify as a minority class under Oregon law," he said. "We need to keep this (discussion) out of the realm of marriage." More palatable than civil unions, Graham said, would be the idea of extending reciprocal benefits, to couples who cannot legally marry, regardless of their sexual orientation. Under such a system, as is in Hawaii, registered couples have limited protections under the law, including hospital visitation rights and the ability to make medical decisions on behalf of an incapacitated partner.
Gay Marraige a Big Subject this Legislative SessionSalem-News.com