NEWS RELEASE

April 25, 2007

CONTACT: Jordan Rash 503-986-1718

Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Domestic Partnership Bill

House Bill 2007 heads to the Senate floor for a vote

Salem – The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland/Tigard), passed House Bill 2007A this afternoon, establishing domestic partnerships for same sex couples.  The bill now heads to the Senate chamber for a floor vote.  House Bill 2007A has already passed  the House chamber, receiving approval on a 34-26 vote on April 17th. 

Senator Burdick, a strong supporter of equal rights in Oregon, said, “This bill creates equal rights for same-sex couples that married couples already receive from the state.  I truly believe that every family deserves the same benefits and recognition from the state.  This is an excellent compliment to the anti-discrimination legislation passed by both chambers earlier this session.”

House Bill 2007A does not amend Oregon’s constitutional provisions relating to marriage, which was passed in 2004, but rather grants recognition of same-sex couples by the state.  Under domestic partnerships, same-sex couples receive the same legal benefits as married couples in the state.  However, domestic partnerships are not required to be recognized by any church as marriage and are not recognized by the federal government.

House Bill 2007A is expected to receive a full Senate vote within the next week.

###