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Gay Couples Hopeful With Democrats In Power |
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SALEM, Ore. - Same-sex couples believe they could be on the verge of winning new rights and benefits in Oregon. The reason for their optimism is the new democratic majority in the Oregon House.
Two years ago, an attempt to get a civil unions bill that extends the benefits of marriage to same-sex couples died in the republican-run Oregon House after winning approval in the Democratic-controlled Senate. But democrats are now running both chambers of the Legislature after republicans were ousted from the majority last fall. With backing from Gov. Ted Kulongoski, it appears likely the Legislature will adopt a civil unions law, joining the states of Connecticut, New Jersey and Vermont. House Majority Leader Dave Hunt says the issue is being discussed and will eventually result in a full slate of public hearings. Massachusetts is the only state that has legalized gay marriage. Source: koin.com |
