米オレゴン州：同性ドメスティック・パートナーシップ法成立

同性カップル：結婚夫婦と同等の法的保障　米オレゴン州

　【ロサンゼルス國枝すみれ】米西部オレゴン州議会は２日、同性愛のカップルに、結婚した夫婦と同等の法的保障を与えるドメスティック・パートナーシップ（同居人保護）法を成立させた。ＡＰ通信が報じた。

　同法によれば、同居する契約を交わした同性のカップルは、相続権や親権が認められ、一方が入院した際などの医療方針の判断も、既婚の夫婦と同様に行うことができる。また、医療健康保険や、車両や自宅の損害賠償保険なども共同で購入できる。

　カリフォルニア、バーモント、コネティカット、メイン、ニュージャージー、ワシントン州で同様の州法が成立している。

毎日新聞　2007年5月3日　22時08分　（最終更新時間　5月4日　0時42分）

Ore. lawmakers OK domestic partnerships By BRAD CAIN, Associated Press Writer
Wed May 2, 8:36 PM ET

A bill giving Oregon's gay and lesbian couples the benefits of marriage through domestic partnerships won final legislative approval Wednesday.

The Senate endorsed the measure 21-9, sending it to Gov. Ted Kulongoski. The governor is a gay-rights supporter who says he will sign that bill along with another one passed earlier to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The domestic partnership bill would enable same-sex couples to enter into contractual relationships that grant them the same benefits that state law offers to married couples.

The measure won unanimous endorsement from the Senate's majority Democrats, with two Republicans joining them.

When Kulongoski signs the measure, Oregon will join Vermont, Connecticut, California, New Jersey, Maine and Washington state in offering civil unions or domestic partnerships to same-sex couples.

Massachusetts allows gay couples to marry. The New Hampshire Legislature last week approved a civil unions measure that's expected to be signed into law soon, and Hawaii extends certain spousal rights to same-sex couples, along with cohabiting heterosexual pairs.

Oregon's domestic partnerships measure covers benefits relating to inheritance rights, child-rearing and custody, joint tax filings, joint health, auto and homeowners insurance policies, visitation rights at hospitals and others.

It does not affect federal benefits for married couples including Social Security and joint filing of federal tax returns.

Opponents have called domestic partnerships "marriage by another name," and said the bill violates the will of voters who endorsed a constitutional ban on gay marriage in 2004.

Backers said the law will provide dignity and protection for thousands of same-sex couples in Oregon who are in committed relationships not currently recognized by the state.

After the vote, about 60 jubilant gay rights supporters gathered in a nearby room, where they toasted their victory with sparkling cider. Some shed tears.

"The fact of the matter is, the state now recognizes us," said Kevin Bailey-Gilliam, who came to the Capitol with his partner, Alex, for Wednesday's vote.