Hundreds of Couples Apply For Legal Recognition of Lifelong Commitment.
(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Hundreds of same sex couples in committed, lifelong relationships lined up at county offices across Oregon to take advantage of a new domestic partnership law that went into effect today.
"Caring, committed couples have waited years, in many cases decades, for access to the basic protections associated with Oregon's domestic partnership law," said Jeana Frazzini, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon, a group that works to end discrimination. "Today, these couples will have the rights and legal protections they deserve."
Oregon's domestic partnership law grants committed same sex couples certain rights and responsibilities, including the right to participate in medical and end of life decisions, the ability to resolve inheritance and estate issues, ensure parental rights and obligations, obtain health benefits, and gain access to their children's school or medical records.
Donna Taylor and her partner Paula Kratz have been together for almost 35 years. "After more than three decades together, we know we can count on each other," Taylor said today outside the county clerk's office in Medford. "But this legal document means that we have the security of knowing we can be there for each other when it matters most."
Rev. Dr. Daniel Bryant of Eugene's First Christian Church said his congregation includes both straight and gay couples. "I work with couples every day, and I know first hand that commitment is hard work," he said. "Along with the blessings come all the day-to-day challenges of building a life together. We need to do everything we can to support couples making that lifelong commitment. Domestic partnerships help by ensuring that committed couples have the basic legal protections they need to take care of each other."
"We all want to - and should be able to - take care of the people we love," said Basic Rights Oregon's Frazzini. "Gay couples, just like straight couples, want the security of knowing that they can be there for their family and their family will be there for them. Domestic partnerships provide that security."
A federal judge on Friday lifted his earlier injunction blocking the law from taking effect on January 1 as planned. The judge ultimately rejected claims made by an out-of-state, anti-gay legal group that had sought to revive a failed referendum on the law.
On the Web: Basic Rights Oregon has created a "Domestic Partnership Resource Guide" available at basicrights.org
Oregon's Domestic Partnership Law Takes EffectSalem-News.com