Oregon governor signs gay rights bills into law

Source: Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Calling it a "truly historic day" for Oregon, Gov. Ted Kulongoski on Wednesday signed bills to give gays and lesbians most of the benefits of marriage under state law and to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation.

With several hundred gay rights supporters looking on, Kulongoski signed measures stymied for more than 30 years in the Legislature but recently approved by the House and Senate.

Kulongoski, a strong backer of both measures, said they would "transform our state from one of exclusion to one of complete inclusion."

One law will enable same-sex couples to enter into contractual relationships with many of the benefits offered to married couples. It calls the relationships "domestic partnerships."



Read more: http://www.komotv.com/news/local/7425321.html

:applause:

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

:bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce:

:patriot: I salute you! :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

He is PRECIOUS.

In a generation, people will wonder that it ever was a problem.

It took a long time, but it finally got done.

W/all of the problems my state has, it's great to hear good news.

Good on the gov for being ballsy enough to push it.

Now for the rest of the rights (the report says "most", not "all") and the rest of the states.

K&R

This is an important step forward in pursuit of true equality for all Americans.

:patriot:

He's the only person I think I might want to vote for more than John Kerry (Sorry, Senator; it's an Oregon pride thing).

:yourock:

It's such a beautiful and interesting place to visit, and now it's gotten even better. Congrats to all Oregonians!

The 2006 election opened so many doors. What's excellent is that the country is actually being transformed by such legislation, for the better. These gains really aren't reversible.