Lawsuit Over Oregon Partner Law Could See Issue Put To Voters

[WillParkinson]

(Portland, Oregon) A three judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is considering the merits of a lawsuit brought by conservative groups seeking to revive last year's failed referendum on Oregon's domestic partnership law.

A large number of people on both sides began gathering in front of the courthouse early Tuesday morning for oral arguments in the case.

The law allows same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples unable to marry to form legally recognized partnerships. It was passed by the legislature in 2007.

Socially conservative groups immediately challenged the partnership law in court, alleging it violated Oregon's constitution which bars same-sex marriage.

In February a federal judge ruled the law was not unconstitutional and it went into effect.

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon08/07/070808ore.htm

[msongs]

1. nazi scum never sleeps nt

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. Giving proof to the lie "As long as it is not marriage"

Same-sex couples cannot get married in Oregon, according to the state constitution. "Legally recognized partnerships" are expressly NOT marriage, so they do not violate the state constitution. And yet the bigots still aren't happy.

Every time we try to meet the bigots half-way, they piss and moan until we move half way again closer to their position. Very quickly, we have moved to where we are standing nose-to-nose and they still whine. So why do we keep giving ground? Why can't we be the ones to remain firm and make them give up something?

[Falcon_Lights1916]

3. I'm With You, TechBear

These bigots are only interested in foisting THEIR agenda on everyone. We give way, and give way, and give way some more and still they are not happy. And it helps not a whit that many Democratic politicians pander to this shit. Many other countries have same-sex marriage (some of them for severl years or more now) and here we are, STILL fighting this battle state by state, while those who are supposed to be working in our interests pander to the right-wing by saying nonsense that they personally think marriage is between a man and a woman. That just gives the homophobes encouragement!

[Athelwulf]

4. I agree 10,000%!

And I'm sick of "liberal" and "progressive" Democrats who "support" gay rights (but with that one qualifier). It probably wouldn't be so bad if conservatives compromised just as much on the issue, but since they are not, these "supporters" of gay rights only validate the opposing opinion!