Letter from America Mar 6, 2008
California has a domestic partnership law that gives gay and lesbian couples nearly all of the legal rights and responsibilities that come with heterosexual marriage ... Lawyers for the state argued that the domestic partnership law was sufficient to satisfy any constitutional concerns, but George said that by leaving open the question of nomenclature, the state might actually have weakened its hand. (International Herald Tribune)
Registry gives couples peace of mind Mar 6, 2008
The new domestic partnership law does not alter that taxation ... The domestic partnership law is not going unchallenged. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Court debates gay marriage Mar 5, 2008
Moreover, the court said, the state offers equal protection and rights to same-sex couples who register under the state domestic partnership law ... It also argued the domestic partnership law adequately protects the rights of same-sex couples. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Marriage isn't the half of it Mar 3, 2008
Although California has a comprehensive domestic partnership law, gay rights advocates argue that the creation of that separate legal status falls short of the state Constitution's guarantee of equality. They're right. (Los Angeles Times)
Domestic partner law should pass without a hitch through Senate Feb 25, 2008
The state House of Representatives approved legislation a week ago Friday to greatly expand Washington's domestic partnership law, which went into effect just seven months ago ... The pending legislation, House Bill 3104, expands the domestic partnership law to include more than 170 of the protections and benefits enjoyed by married couples to unmarried heterosexual and homosexual partners. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Queer as Old Folk Feb 22, 2008
The film notes that more than 15,000 gay couples have married since the civil partnership law was introduced in England in 2005. Andy Wells' film follows long-time couple Alan and Jimmy as they prepare for their marriage and Roger, an openly gay former headmaster, living with the much younger Ian. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
House Passes Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill Feb 16, 2008
-- The House has approved an expansion of the state's domestic partnership law. The bill passed on a 62-32 vote after very little debate, and now goes to the Senate. (KIRO TV, WA)
Washington House passes expansion of same-sex benefits Feb 16, 2008
(AP) The House on Friday passed a measure to expand the state s domestic partnership law by granting same-sex couples more than 170 of the benefits and responsibilities given to married couples ... The underlying domestic partnership law, passed last year, already provides hospital visitation rights, the ability to authorize autopsies and organ donations, and inheritance rights when there is no will. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Editorial: The fun won’t last (Jan. 29) Feb 7, 2008
Dangerous Dave wrote on Feb 5, 2008 2:58 PM:" Orguy, I never supported the war, so it's a moot point with me. As for healthcare, the tripe that it doesn't support the majority of Americans is, well, tripe. 47 million uninsured does not a majority make. Of that 47 million, only a fraction are in a position that they are legally in the country in the first place and legitimately needing of help paying for insurance. We have the best healthcare system in the world. Yes, it's pricey, because it's... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Going to the courthouse Feb 5, 2008
Enacted by the 2007 Legislature, Oregon s domestic partnership law granted same-sex couples some of the same automatic protections afforded married couples, such as filing joint tax returns, inheritance rights, child custody and ability to act on behalf of an incapacitated partner. However, the conservative Allied Defense Fund filed for an injunction in late December, contending that state elections officials excluded too many valid signatures on petitions seeking to put the civil union law... (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Judge upholds gay rights law Feb 3, 2008
Mosman lifted a temporary injunction he imposed in late December, just days before the domestic partnership law approved in the 2007 legislative session was due to take effect ... Lawmakers approved the domestic partnership law last year, alongside another new law that took effect Jan. 1, outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Oregon Allows Domestic Partnerships Feb 3, 2008
Petitioners plan to start another drive to put the domestic partnership law to a referendum. "We want to vote we think that our signatures mean something and it was an arbitrary move by the secretary of state's office," said Carolyn Wendell, who was a chief petitioner in the lawsuit. (Time.com)
Judge gives domestic-partnership law go-ahead in Oregon Feb 2, 2008
U.S District Judge Michael Mosman lifted a temporary injunction he imposed in late December, just days before the domestic partnership law approved in the 2007 legislative session was due to take effect ... "This is about people all over the state of Oregon whose vote has been taken away."Begley is referring to a lawsuit filed after the state blocked an initiative referrring the domestic partnership law to the voters in November. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Reserves could go dry if housing permits don't increase Jan 24, 2008
More could come from a new domestic partnership law if it ever becomes final, she said. Without recent cost-saving measures the outlook could be worse, Jordan said. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
Editor's Mailbag (Jan. 23) Jan 24, 2008
I m sure this group is also part of the bunch that s trying to stop the domestic partnership law. Why can t you people mind you own business. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Letters, Jan. 9: Constitution is law of land, not Scripture Jan 9, 2008
In the article describing the efforts to overturn Oregon s domestic partnership law ( Local couples in limbo, Jan. 2), Pastor Russ Stiverson is quoted as saying of same-sex couples having equal rights, We just can t cross that line and I think the Scripture is black and white ... The domestic partnership law would not change marriage as it is currently defined as between a man and a women. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Editor's mailbag: Stop drunks from having more babies affected by FAS Jan 6, 2008
Federal District Judge Michael W. Mosman, who was appointed by the Republican Bush administration in 2003, is acting as a judicial activist to stop implementation of our state domestic partnership law that was recently passed by the Oregon legislature and signed into law by the governor. Oregon voters passed a constitutional amendment in 2004 to eliminate the equal rights of same-sex couples to marry under Oregon law, but the amendment permits legislation to grant the lesser benefits of domestic... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
DHS holds forms for domestic partnership Jan 1, 2008
Reacting to a federal court ruling blocking Oregon s domestic partnership law from taking effect today, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) said Monday it will not make declaration of domestic partnership forms available to the public via e-mail, mail or on its website ... On Dec. 28, a federal district court judge blocked HB 2007, the domestic partnership law, from taking effect today. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
No federal issue Jan 1, 2008
It s hard to see what federal issues might warrant the decision by a U.S. district judge last week to block for two months the Oregon domestic partnership law. Opponents of the law had filed suit claiming their rights were violated in the state s process of verifying signatures on their referendum petition. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Judge Nixes Oregon Domestic Partnership Law Dec 29, 2007
A federal judge on Friday placed on hold a state domestic partnership law that was set to take effect Jan. 1, pending a February hearing ... After the Legislature approved the domestic partnership law this year, gay rights opponents launched an effort to collect enough signatures to suspend the law and place it on the November 2008 ballot for a statewide vote. (Fox News)
Oregon Same-Sex Law Halted Dec 29, 2007
A federal judge on Friday placed on hold a state domestic partnership law that was set to take effect Jan. 1, pending a February hearing. The law would give some spousal rights to same-sex couples. (Time.com)
Counties prepare for partner registrations Dec 23, 2007
Linn and Benton counties, along with the rest of Oregon, are getting ready to carry out the domestic partnership law enacted by the 2007 legislature. Starting Jan. 1, when the Family Fairness Act goes into effect, same-sex couples will have the option to register as legally recognized domestic partners in Oregon. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
County clerks wrongfully rejecting signatures for voter referendum on new law Dec 20, 2007
A court hearing has been scheduled on a request by the for a postponement of Oregon's new "domestic partnership law" until all votes on the issue are counted, an effort county clerks have refused to pursue. An organization called worked to put HB 2007 and SB 2 before Oregon voters in 2008. (WorldNetDaily)
Boys scoresHenley 69, Klamath Union 35Tulelake 60, Chiloquin 49..North Lake 49, Central Christian 47Girls...Henley 53, KU 38Chiloquin 49, Tulelake 18North Lake 60, Central Christian 29.La Pine 56, Lakeview 38. ... ';var marqueewidth="520px";var marqueeheight="25px";var marqueebgcolor="#FFFF99";////NO NEED TO EDIT BELOW THIS LINE////////////var pauseit=1;var marqueespeed=1 //slow speed down by 1 for NSvar copyspeed=marqueespeedvar pausespeed=(pauseit==0)? copyspeed: 0var iedom=document.all||document.getElementByIdif (iedom)document.write(''+marqueecontent+'')var actualwidth=''var cross_marquee, ns_marqueefunction populate(){if (iedom){cross_marquee=document.getElementById? document.getElementById("iemarquee") : document.all.iemarqueecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"cross_marquee.innerHTML=marqueecontentactualwidth=document.all? temp.offsetWidth : document.getElementById("temp").offsetWidth}else if (document.layers){ns_marquee=document.ns_marquee.document.ns_marquee2ns_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8ns_marquee.document.write(marqueecontent)ns_marquee.document.close()actualwidth=ns_marquee.document.width}lefttime=setInterval("scrollmarquee()",20)}window.onload=populate;function scrollmarquee(){if (iedom){if (parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))cross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)-copyspeed+"px"elsecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"}else if (document.layers){if (ns_marquee.left>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))ns_marquee.left-=copyspeedelsens_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8}}if (iedom||document.layers){with (document){document.write('')if (iedom){write('')write('')write('')write('')}else if (document.layers){write('')write('')write('')}document.write('')}} News Updates Updated weekdays at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Updated on weekends/holidays at noon and 5 p.m. County OKs fees for domestic partnerships 10 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007In January, a new state law will allow same-sex couples in Klamath and Lake counties to begin registering as domestic partners with their county clerk offices.Klamath County commissioners voted 2-1 Tuesday to approve a fee schedule for the county clerk’s office that includes a $57.75 fee for recording domestic partnerships beginning in 2008. Commissioner Bill Brown voted against approval, citing his disagreement with the state’s new domestic partnership law.Commissioners John Elliott and Al Switzer also said they didn’t agree with the new law, but voted to approve the fee schedule because the county is required to enforce state law.Full story in Wednesday's Herald and News. Comment(s) Dec 5, 2007
Commissioner Bill Brown voted against approval, citing his disagreement with the state s new domestic partnership law. Commissioners John Elliott and Al Switzer also said they didn t agree with the new law, but voted to approve the fee schedule because the county is required to enforce state law. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Control in a General Partnership Nov 3, 2007
A general partnership is an association of two or more people formed under the partnership law of a state or other jurisdiction to operate as co-owners of a business ... When all else fails, a partner may always exercise the power granted by the partnership law of most jurisdictions to dissolve the partnership at any time ... In the absence of such an agreement, the default rules are set forth in the applicable partnership law. (MSNBC -- Business)
When it’s close, count ’em all Oct 14, 2007
By rejecting the referendum petition against the domestic partnership law last week, the secretary of state s office saved us all from a repeat campaign on this old and tiresome topic ... Their petition against the partnership law needed 55,179 signatures. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Ex-Clinton aide speaks about life as gay American Oct 10, 2007
Leider said it s especially timely to have Boykin visit, because a recent attempt by anti-gay activists to force a referendum on the new domestic partnership law in Oregon failed to get enough signatures to get on the ballot. We knew the referendum thing was coming to a head, but we didn t know it would happen in the same week as Keith Boykin s visit, Leider said. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Effort fails to block Oregon's domestic partnership law Oct 9, 2007
-- State election officials say opponents failed to turn in enough valid signatures to block Oregon's new domestic partnership law for same-sex couples. John Bergmann, left, and Gary Hughes, both of Sacramento, Calif. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Work Fails to Block Ore. Gay Rights Law Oct 9, 2007
-- Opponents of Oregon's new same-sex domestic partnership law failed to turn in enough valid signatures to block the measure, clearing the way for it to take effect next year, state elections officials said Monday. Oregon will join eight other states that have approved spousal rights in some form for gay couples _ Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Maine, California, Washington and Hawaii. (Newsmax)
Chances appear slim for effort to block gay rights Oct 7, 2007
A preliminary tally by state elections officials indicated there were 60,531 signatures for the measure to force an election vote on the domestic partnership law. County clerks will have until Oct. 26 to verify that at least 55,179 of those signatures are valid to trigger an election. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Opponents of Oregon gay rights laws submit signatures Sep 27, 2007
The opponents are hoping to derail a domestic partnership law giving same-sex couples most of the state benefits of marriage along with another new law banning discrimination against gays. State elections officials said it will take several weeks to verify whether there are enough signature to put the two issues before voters. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Deadline looms to put gay rights laws on ballot Sep 23, 2007
This is the final weekend for those groups to gather signatures to derail a domestic partnership law giving same-sex couples most of the state benefits of marriage along with another new law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. One of the organizers of the petition drive says interest in the issue has been "exploding" in recent days. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Sonnenschein Sued for Millions by Former Partner Sep 6, 2007
Attorneys specializing in partnership law say Rosenthal, despite his performance, may have a tough case. "It's all about how the partnership agreement reads," says Leslie Corwin, a partner at Greenberg Traurig. (Law.com)
Giuliani continues his conservative shift Aug 13, 2007
In an interview and follow-up e-mails, Maria Comella, the campaign's deputy communications director, told the Globe that Giuliani supports domestic partnership laws similar to the one he initiated in New York in 1998 ... Comella said Giuliani has always supported the New York model of domestic partnership laws but she did not explain what is widely viewed as an inconsistency in his position ... "The mayor supports the benefits and rights as they are written in the domestic partnership law in New... (Boston Globe)
Letters to the editor Aug 1, 2007
Apparently Judge Bloch has discovered that our constitution guarantees that a female can now be a father under Oregon s Domestic Partnership law. Our family is no different than any other family, was the response of K.D. Parman, the putative female father of that average family, whose name had been scratched out on the birth certificate issued to them four years ago. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
What’s it to you? Jul 24, 2007
Whatever their motivation, opponents of Oregon s domestic partnership law are making a strategic mistake with their drive to block the law and refer it to the voters in November 2008 ... It probably would energize more young and mostly liberal voters, resulting in even more legislative gains for Democrats, the very people who enacted the partnership law that the opponents want to block ... The domestic partnership law doesn t change anything in the way people live, but it does remove some... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Man must pay partnered ex-wife alimony Jul 24, 2007
California marriage laws say alimony ends when a former spouse remarries, and Ron Garber thought that meant he was off the hook when he learned his ex-wife had registered her new relationship under the state's domestic partnership law. An Orange County judge didn't see it that way. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Same-Sex Couples Register For Domestic Partnerships Jul 24, 2007
Some groups say the domestic partnership law will chip away at the foundation of marriage. Get the forms and more details at the. (KIRO TV, WA)
Foreign nationals, military, warned off domestic partnerships Jul 23, 2007
The new domestic partnership law "is a huge step for marriage equality in the state," said Connie Watts, executive director of Equal Rights Washington ... Ed Murray, sponsor of the domestic partnership law and one of five openly gay lawmakers in the state Legislature. (Concord Monitor)
A look at the new domestic partnership law Jul 23, 2007
The Associated Press. Jul 22, 10:47 AM EDT. (Concord Monitor)
• Domestic Partnerships Begins Monday Jul 23, 2007
The domestic partnership law also applies to unmarried heterosexual couples in which at least one partner is 62 years old ... The domestic partnership law was passed by the Washington Legislature this year. (Q13.com, WA)
Alimony provides a same-sex union test Jul 22, 2007
Therese Stewart, San Francisco's chief deputy city attorney, said the alimony ruling and other gaps in the domestic partnership law "highlight the irrationality of having a separate, unequal scheme" for same-sex partners. Domestic partnership law also may have failed to replicate marriage in disputes involving property taxes, health coverage and, when same-sex couples move outside California, even parentage, attorneys say. (Los Angeles Times)
Let’s consider the children Jul 21, 2007
Among opponents of homosexual unions, there s resentment of the partnership law. But let these opponents consider the children, children who have been and will be born into new and unconventional circumstances whether anybody likes it or not. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Court backs same-sex couple in parenting case Jul 17, 2007
The Basic Rights Oregon group said the case highlighted the need to implement Oregon s domestic partnership law. "We're thrilled by Judge Bloch's decision. Our family is really no different from any other family, Parman said. We simply want to be treated fairly under the law, for our kids to have the same opportunities as any other child to succeed and thrive, and to do everything in our power to keep them safe.". (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Goldman's China partner plans private equity fund Jul 16, 2007
Goldman's China partner plans private equity fund - International Herald Tribune. Fang Fenglei, who founded China's first investment bank more than a decade ago, now wants to open one of the country's first independently run private equity funds, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said. (International Herald Tribune -- Business Asia)
Another View: Experience may trump hysteria over gay marriage Jul 11, 2007
Washington state's domestic partnership law goes into effect next month. Oregon's domestic partnership law and New Hampshire's civil unions take effect in January 2008. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Woman admits bigamy in same-sex partnership Jul 9, 2007
The justice ministry and the Crown Prosecution Service said they believed it was the first such case under the civil partnership law, which allows same-sex couples to have a legally recognised union akin to marriage. There were almost 16,000 ceremonies in the nine months after the law came into effect in December 2005. (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
Blackstone: Too Rich for Congress Jul 3, 2007
But for reasons having mainly to do with the muddled history of partnership law, carried interest is taxed instead at the 15% capital gains rate. "When you take a step back and look at the end result, you sort of say, This can't be right," argues Victor Fleischer, a law professor at the University of Illinois. (Time.com)
Senate Dems Aim to Gut Bush Aid Program, Boost AIDS Funds Jun 29, 2007
But the bill still faces a veto since Democrats lifted restrictions barring the use of U.S. funds to implement the District of Columbia's domestic partnership law. The District government uses locally raised money to implement the law, so the outcome of a floor battle over keeping the current restriction in place won't have much of an impact. (Fox News -- Politics)
Senate panel approves AIDS foreign aid Jun 29, 2007
That bill originally faced a veto threat over a move by Democrats to allow the use of U.S. taxpayer funds to implement the District of Columbia's domestic partnership law. But Republicans, led by Rep. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Brown to step down as Oregon Senate majority leader Jun 26, 2007
She said she felt a strong sense of personal accomplishment with the passage of two of her top priorities this year a domestic partnership law for same-sex couples and a bill to give Oregon women health insurance benefits for their birth control pills. Whatever the future holds, I am committed to continuing the fight to strengthen our great state, she said. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
On gay partnership Jun 9, 2007
The Swiss parliament approved a gay partnership law two years ago, which was immediately opposed by the political right, including, of course, some fundamentalist Christians. When people had to vote, however, an unexpected 58 percent said "no" to the fanatics and "yes" to the law. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Ex-wife wins $184M in divorce Jun 6, 2007
Energy magnate's ex wins $184M divorce verdict - CNN.com. Energy magnate's ex wins $184M divorce verdict. (CNN -- Law)
Calif. gay inmates get conjugal visits Jun 3, 2007
California has begun allowing overnight visits for gay and lesbian partners of prison inmates to conform to the state's domestic partnership law. California is one of just six states that allow overnight family visits, which take place in trailers or other housing on prison grounds. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Ore. gay rights foes begin signature campaign May 28, 2007
Their aim is to give voters in November 2008 a chance to repeal a domestic partnership law to give gays and lesbians most of the benefits of marriage under state law along with another new law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. The social conservatives see it as a resumption of a battle that began in the November 2004 election, when Oregon voters adopted a constitutional ban on gay marriage. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Giuliani Makes His Case May 14, 2007
He also said domestic partnership should not be a substitute for marriage and clearly said he opposed the recent New Hampshire domestic partnership law. Giuliani made the Reagan appeal: we agree on many things, especially the big things, and I am a leader to accomplish those big things. (Human Events Online)
Forgo a referral May 13, 2007
In a few months we will discover that the partnership law and the expansion of the civil rights law, to cover sexual orientation, will not cause the public or individuals any harm. Instead these enactments embody the principle that all people ought to be treated fairly. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Oregon Gov. Signs Domestic Partner Bill May 11, 2007
The domestic partnership law will enable same-sex couples to enter into contractual relationships that carry many of the benefits offered to married couples. The other law will ban discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people in employment, housing and access to public accommodations. (Newsmax)
Fish & Neave's Vote to Defer Payment to Ex-Partners Deemed Proper May 9, 2007
4 million, claiming the amendments were meant to penalize them for leaving Fish , which went on to merge six months later with Boston's Ropes They also claimed that, because Fish 's partnership agreement lacked a specific amendment provision, general partnership law required all changes to be approved by a unanimous vote. But Judge Theodore T. Jones wrote for the court that the agreement had contained a majority approval provision for "all questions related to the partnership, including its... (Law.com)
Experts at work on effects of Ore. gay rights bills May 5, 2007
Sally Landauer, a Portland estate lawyer, said the domestic partnership law does not diminish the importance of having a will. Especially in the case of partners who have children, the laws can complicate a situation quickly, she said, in some cases cutting children out of an inheritance. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Gay rights grow in Colombia Apr 27, 2007
" But few deny that the Supreme Court ruling and Senate vote are landmark decisions, and that the gay rights movement, which didn't exist a decade ago, is emerging as a powerful political force. Bogota's annual gay pride march has blossomed from a few dozen participants a decade ago to hundreds of thousands. Once-routine expulsions of gay high school students have become rarities, according to activists. Most newspapers no longer use lurid headlines to report gay issues. Soap operas include gay... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
How to handle a business break up Apr 25, 2007
And while corporate law tends to be more modern and comprehensive, partnership law in Canada is much older, less comprehensive and the subject of years of case law interpreting it. "Some answers are there," he says, but in some break up situations, there may simply not be any "ready answers.". (Globe and Mail -- Business)
WORLD & NATION BRIEFS Apr 22, 2007
WASHINGTON GOV. SIGNS DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP LAW. Gov. Chris Gregoire of Washington state signed into law yesterday a measure to create domestic partnerships, giving gay and lesbian couples some of the same rights that come with marriage. The law creates a domestic partnership registry and provides enhanced rights for same-sex couples. (Newsday -- World)
Tribe opens glass-bottom deck 4,000 feet above Grand Canyon floor Mar 21, 2007
"Szlamnik lost his job as a senior management assistant with San Francisco Unified School District after he agreed to plead guilty on the drug charges and voluntarily entered jail in January.More than 200 couples join during first month civil unions are offered in N.J.MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (AP) -- At least 219 gay couples applied to join in civil unions during the first month the legal institution was available in New Jersey, a state agency said in a report issued Tuesday.Civil unions offer gay... (North County Times)
More than 200 couples join first month civil unions offered in NJ Mar 21, 2007
By comparison, about 500 gay and lesbian couples in New Jersey registered on the first day the state's domestic partnership law went into effect in 2004. That law was simpler to take advantage of, but offered only a handful of the benefits extended in the civil union law. (WCAX.com, VT)
