Most of you already know the important information from Oregon:
Judge Michael Mosman ruled at 4:25 PM [Friday] that opponents of domestic partnership did, indeed, fail to gather the necessary signatures to place the law on the ballot for referendum…The law takes effect immediately, so county offices will begin to issue domestic partnerships on Monday morning at 9 AM. While domestic partnerships fall short of full marriage rights, they do provide important protections like hospital visitation rights, the ability to make medical decisions for an ailing partner, and estate inheritance.
Basic Rights Oregon has the media round-up about the important news.
Hopefully soon Washington will join the ranks of Oregon in having all these important rights added. Current Washington Domestic Partnership law only confers two dozen of the 425 marriage rights.
Equal Rights Washington is working on getting the law expanded to include more rights. Here is their action letter for you to send the State Legislature.
If you have not signed up to attend their Gala yet be sure to do that soon. Last year sold out!
I also want to mention Out and Equal Seattle who are fighting for your rights in the workplace.
I actually received an email yesterday from Senator Edward Murray regarding this issue (as a response to my HRC letter). He stated that he is currently working on this legislation, and if approved, it will provide about 147 of the 400+ marriage rights to domestic partnerships (including Power of Attorney and Nursing Home Visits).
I look forward to the day when we do not have to fight so hard for these rights…